Music resources

Contents on this page:

MUSIC SCHOOLS IN JAPAN

ONLINE MUSIC ARTICLES / SHEETMUSIC RESOURCES / CREATIVE CURRICULA / GENERAL READING LIST ON MUSIC EDUCATION / RESOURCES FOR LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT / TEACHING SOFTWARE / MUSIC APPRECIATION RESOURCES / ONLINE RESOURCES FOR LISTENING

Music school resources in Japan:

When looking for traditionally trained music teachers, it might be useful to know which are the top ranking music conservatories: Tokyo University of the Arts formerly known as Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music(Tokyo Geijitsu Daigaku); Toho Gakuen School of Music; Kunitachi College of Music(formerly Tokyo Conservatory of Music, 国立音楽大学); Musashino Academia Musicae(武蔵野音楽大学 ,Musasiho Ongaku Daigaku^?); Showa Music University. All of these schools also offer private individual lessons for various instruments at different locations.

Assorted listing of music schools in Japan: http://www.orions.ad.jp/c/urls/word/f/l/utet/piano.html

Musashino Academia Musicae’s educational locations are in Nerima, in Iruma city (Saitama), and in Tama city (Tokyo).

Koyo Conservatory of Music in Kobe (famous for contemporary and jazz music) has an international program

Kyoto City University of Arts

Nagoya College of Music

Tokyo College of Music

SHOBI Music College, Tokyo (courses on music, performing arts, sound and visual production, Internet music, and music business) 4-15-9 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 / Phone: 03-3813-9326 Email: iec@shobi.ac.jp

Yamaha Music School (music, rhythm and instrumental classes from 2 yrs read Features of Yamaha Music Education System) Free-Dial#0120-329808 for locations all around Japan and listing of schools.

Apple Rhythmic music classes (various locations but only in CHIBA prefecture) Free-Dial #0120-74-8181 for info of nearest classroom location

Kawai Music School.

A useful Nagano listing of useful Japanese music associations including the Piano Teacher’s National Association here: PTNA website: http://www.piano.or.jp/english/. 

Kawai School Website

Choosing a teacher: Suzuki-method-trained teachers abound in Japan of course, since the pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki was Japanese. The Suzuki office in Tokyo  (03) 3295-0270  can put you in touch with teachers anywhere in Japan (many are able to speak a little English). A website nationwide listing of Suzuki-method trained teachers can be found (top left hand corner) at this page – choose from violin/piano/cello/flute, then click on map to go to your preferred location)

A Kobe -based Suzuki school http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Icho/6393

A Kobe-based Suzuki method instructor’s homepage http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Icho/6383/suzuki2.htm

 

Online music articles:

1. The first is MuSICA, the Music and Science Information Computer Archive has a comprehensive catalogue of articles that provides an overview of music/brain research findings, along with material dealing directly with the “Mozart Effect and prenatal studies: http://musica.cnlm.uci.edu/mrn/acumidx960718.html. See especially Dr Weinberger’s article “Matters of Opinion On the Importance of Being Accurate” at http://musica.cnlm.uci.edu/mrn/V5I2S98.html#accurate; Other enlightening articles include The “Mozart Effect”: A Small Part of the Big Picture and The Mozart Effect Doesn’t Increase General Intelligence! Best way to long-term benefits is by music study and music making at: http://musica.cnlm.uci.edu/mrn/V7I1W00.html#part

2. Another good website resource on the benefits of music including philosophical, anthropological and psychological viewpoints is the Music Is … and the Value of Music Website. See its large collection of links to articles on the value of music at http://pionet.net/~hub7/contents.html##value In particular, these make good reading:

• “Why Is Music Basic. The Value of Music Education” offers 21 reasons why music is valuable. Go to: http://elwood.pionet.net/~hub7/value.htm

• In “Music is a Positive Factor In K-8 Student Academic Achievement”,Jeane Akin of California State University summarizes her thesis findings of the positive effects of music education upon p re-learning activities, reading instruction, math achievement and upon academic achievement in general at http://pionet.net/~hub7/pos.html

• “The Need For Music” at http://pionet.net/~hub7/but.htm#ROYAL

3. A third resource for articles of a similar nature is the Suzuki Music Academy website at http://parenting-baby.com/Parenting-Baby-Music-Research/Music-Research.html

Articles on music and its effects upon creativity :“Teaching music:for ‘feelingful’ intelligence” by http://pionet.net/~hub7/feel.html; Creating Creativity With Music at http://musica.cnlm.uci.edu/mrn/V5I2S98.html#creating.

4. “General Considerations Concerning Learning To Play To play A Musical Instrument” the most insightful writing you will probably ever read on the subject is by John Krakenberger at http://www.geocities.com/~cmsunday/general.html Highly recommended. To get an idea what both the mental, psychological and financial commitment of taking up the piano could involve, read the article The Impact of Piano Study on Family Life at http://www.serve.com/marbeth/family_readiness.html;

5. In “Early Childhood”, Edwin Gordon. Gordon expounds clearly on the phases of music learning that a child goes through at http://www.unm.edu/~audiate/early.htm. 

In “Why we are shutting children out of classical music“,
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/apr/02/classical-music-children
The Guardian’s Tom Service says an entire generation has grown up alienated from classical music. How has Britain allowed this to happen? And can the damage be undone?

 

6. On a child’s music readiness, read these articles: http://www.serve.com/marbeth/child_readiness.html See also Mary Beth Lewis’ excellent recommendations for Music Readiness Activities for the Young Child at http://www.serve.com/marbeth/readiness_games.html

7. On music methods, see:

• The Suzuki method:

Kansai Time Out writes about a Suzuki concert in Nagano and the Suzuki method http://www.japanfile.com/arts_and_entertainment/music/features/Suzuki-1.shtml Japan file See also the Richard Coff’s articles Teaching Methods: Suzuki Violin Versus Traditional Violin by at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article17.asp; also Teaching Methods: The Suzuki Method by Maxine Komlos http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article7.asp: Note: Some teachers like Martha Beth Lewis, Ph.D endorse the Suzuki method but advise moving to other non-rote-oriented methods of instruction at a later stage, especially in the case of piano learning. See http://www.serve.com/marbeth/consumer_QA.html#13

More Suzuki method websites: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star website at http://www.intrnet.net/~jbailey/suzuki/index.html or The SUZUKI MUSIC ACADEMY at http://www.SuzukiMusicAcademy.com; Suzuki Violin Teachers Central at http://www.suzuki-violin.com; Suzuki Method Info and Links: http://www.geocities.com/~cmsunday/suzuki.html

• Kodaly Method :

See article Teaching Methods: The Kodaly Method – by Deborah Jeter at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article3.asp : see also
An Interview with Sister Lorna Zemke: Master Kodaly Educator – World renowned master educator Sr. Lorna Zemke discusses her revered achievements in working with the Kodaly method–a system that uses singing as the fundamental teaching medium. September 7, 1999 http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article26.asp

• The Orff Method:

Read the article Teaching Methods: The Orff Method – Carl Orff believed that rhythm was the key to music learning – by Deborah Jeter at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article5.asp.

Orff and Montessori: The Montessori basic curriculum incorporates the learning of Basic Beat , Bordun, and Alternate Hands. Thunkers are used to prepare students to play Orff Instruments, Kindergarten classes learn Moving Bordun, Melody on Orff Instruments and Playing alternate Boom Pipes with selections. Elementary classes start Soprano Recorder lessons. The Suzuki Method is incorporated where students learn all basic notes by rote before reading music. To know more, read the article Teaching Methods: The Montessori Method – by Dan Evola at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article18.asp

• Kindermusik program: refer to the article Teaching Methods: Kindermusik by Dan Johnson at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article10.asp

• Eurhythmics and Dalcroze; Eurythmy and Waldorf educational approaches:

• On the Dalcroze method, read Teaching Methods: The Dalcroze Method – by Monica Dale at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article15.asp; Also available is “Eurhythmics for Young Children” a new set of books, each with six complete lessons, was created to provide a more complete view of the Dalcroze Method. The books — Fall, Winter, and Spring — will provide an example of an overall curriculum for preschool through grade 2, while incorporating fun thematic ideas in the lessons. From MusiKinesis http://www.musikinesis.com/qa.htm

• Waldorf schools and Eurythmy: To understand how eurythmy works, read the article “Eurythmy in Waldorf Schools” at http://www.awsna.org/publications/renewal_eurythmy.htm and “What is eurythmy?” at http://www.waldorfresources.org/readroom/features/eurythmy.html

Gordon’s Audiation Method. See Edwin Gordon’s exposition on a sequential and comprehensive method for teaching musicianship through audiation http://www.unm.edu/~audiate/intro.htm. –including meter, macro beats, micro beats, and melodic rhythm. To know more about his method, go to www.unm.edu/~audiate/activity.htm ; see also the article Teaching Methods: A Conversation with Edwin Gordon at http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article11.asp; “Music Learning Theory” http://www.unm.edu/~audiate/intro.htm

The Piano Education Page has a page on the various piano teaching methods.

8. Tips on choosing an instrument.

Your music teacher is generally the best source of advice on choosing an instrument, however if you are looking at violins, these articles offer tips:

Buying a violin http://www.bright.net/~hhelser/sheila.html;

“Buying an instrument” (violin): http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~leonid/buying.htm;

Buying a Stringed Orchestral Instrument by Bronislaw Huberman: http://www.geocities.com/~cmsunday/buyingvl.html#buying

What piano brands should I get? Get Larry Fine’s The Piano Book, which will give you great detail about individual brands and also the piano-building and -buying process.

Should you buy a new or used piano? Mary Beth Lewis answers this question at http://www.serve.com/marbeth/new_or_used.html

Mary Beth Lewis recommends a conventional piano over digital or electronic keyboards http://www.serve.com/marbeth/electronic_keyboard.html These and more questions are answered at Martha Beth Lewis’ Piano Web site http://www.serve.com/marbeth/consumer.html

9. Mary Beth Lewis on How to Find a Good Teacher at: http://www.serve.com/marbeth/find_teacher.html

10. Tips on beginning instrumental training, facilitating practice and mastery of the instrument:

For help for parents related to beginning music instruction with an instrument and facilitating practice and mastery of the instrument see these articles by Mary Beth Lewis: How to Find a Good Teacher; How Parents Can Help the Teacher Give Their Child the Best Possible Musical Education ; How to Listen to Your Kids Play for You at http://www.serve.com/marbeth/consumer.html

“Introducing Your Child to Music – Music Lessons For Children Should Be Short and Fun” by Nancy Bazilchuk Introducing Your Child to Music

For tips on How to Help Your Child Practice at Home click on http://www.serve.com/marbeth/helping_kids_practice.html.

And for help for the student who wants to master learning the piano, see these articles: How to Practice Efficiently ; Some Suggested Practice Techniques ;My Favorite Practice Technique: Rhythms; Exercises for Improving Your Trills ; Four Things to Do at Your Lesson to Make Your Playing Better ; Four Easy Things to Do to Make Your Playing More Musical ; The Basics of Fingering; How to Play Trills in Beethoven ;Preparing for a Recital; Suggestions for How to Memorize Music; Tips for Duet Playing; Hand Relaxation Exercise at http://www.serve.com/marbeth/consumer.html

For piano pedagogy tips, see article “Music Basics” http://musicbasics.com/music-basics/pianomethods1.html and also Martha Beth Lewis on pedagogy: http://www.serve.com/marbeth/pedagogy_QA.html#29 and http://www.serve.com/marbeth/pedagogy_QA.html#21;

For teaching tips for the violin, read John Krakenburger’s many valuable violin-playing tips: http://www.geocities.com/krakenberger; In particular, see “Violin-Viola Pedagogy: Sevcik yes or Sevcik” which gives perspectives on which methods and technical studies will be most effective and necessary to produce the virtuoso soloist. at http://www.geocities.com/krakenberger/sevcik.html Sheila’s tips: http://www.bright.net/~hhelser/sheila.html; Westbury Park Violin School also has good tips:

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~leonid/violin_easy.htm

11. “Music Appreciation” by Lene Jaqua and Composer study sheets by Angela Polk at http://home.att.net/~mikejaqua/news/march-April-00.html

Other General Online Music Resources:

• Martha Beth Lewis’ Piano Web site A great website addressing just about every conceivable aspect of learning piano and note reading. Geared towards both parents and piano teachers, so it has many detailed articles on technique including articles on eighth notes, teaching note reading, etc.

• World Violinists website “The World Violinist Links” is a valuable and informative web site for both violinists and researchers. Owned by Akiko Kose, a doctor who was born in Tokyo and now lives in Kobe, Japan. She started the page in December 1998 out of her love of the violin even though her only connection with the violin comes from her husband, a neurosurgeon, who studied the violin in his youth. http://www2.osk.3web.ne.jp/~wistaria/violinists.htm

• Composers Timeline Poster: Over 900 classical composers and 1500 years of music history!
  www.carissimi.com

• Violin Land http://www.cremona.u-net.com/

• Rolland Collection of famous violin recordings http://www.cremona.u-net.com/offair.htm

• Best collection of violin-related links http://www.cremona.u-net.com/violinks.htm

• Music Education Lesson Plans (elementary through high school) at http://www.talentz.com/MusicEd/LessonPlans/LessonPlans.mv

• Music Theory website (definitions, multiple choice questions; games) http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/theory/theory.htm#

• Elements of music defined. An online music glossary of terms at http://www.wwnorton.com/enjoy/index/materials/materials.htm

• Reformation of the Arts & Music An Exploration of the Arts, Music, and the Christian Worldview. By Matt Bynum. A site promoting the clean-up of current art and music. Includes the 1930 Motion Picture Production Code: “If motion pictures consistently hold up for admiration high types of characters and present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind.” Of particular interest to Christian homeschoolers is “Artists in the Making“, an article written about a homeschool program developed by the Master’s Academy that is training artists of the next generation.

• Cyber Hymnals: http://www.hymntime.com/tch

• K-12 Internet Resources for Music Teachers Home Page, Huge collection of music education resources at http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/staffpages/shirk/k12.music.html

• Children’s Music Web for kids. Kids will find here selections of music for kids that you can listen to, information for kids on how to write a song, a list of radio stations that play kids music, a calendar of concerts featuring children’s music, a free newsletter and a message board to talk about music with other kids, and links to other fun music sites. http://www.childrensmusic.org/;

• MuSICA Music & science information computer archive http://www.musica.uci.edu/mrn/acumidx960718.html:

• MusicNet Encyclopedia Database of over 100 music terms http://library.thinkquest.org/3306/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/index.html;

• Music Notes’ Music Theory Music theory reference glossary or dictionary. From ThinkQuest. http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/theory/theory.htm

• A Glossary of Musical Terms at the HnH Classical Music Website http://www.hnh.com/mgloss.htm

• Learn to read music and identify musical instruments and genres at Datadragon website http://datadragon.com/education

Sheetmusic resources:

• Virtual Sheet Music http://www.virtualsheetmusic.co;

• Many recommendations for sheetmusic at: http://www.sheetmusic1.com/NEW.CHILD.MUS.ED.HTML; http://www.sheetmusic1.com/MUSIC.RACK.HTML; Orders for international delivery for sheet music available at http://www.sheetmusic1.com/NEW.INTL.MUSIC.DELIVERY.HTML

• Or if you already know what sheet music you are looking for, order from SheetMusicPlus

Creative curricula Teaching programs and resources for teaching music fundamentals or elements of music theory at home

A. Keyboard capers. A unique program that teaches children to read without any struggle. 100 ingenious activities introduce children to learning the letters A-G backward and forward, staff and clef, rhythm, intervals,notes, musical words and signs (such as pianissimo), ear training and major scales. The activities are multisensory, involving songs, chants, clapping, and the use of music manipulatives. Patterns and instructions for making the manipulatives are included in the book, or you may purchase the kit. One third of the activites require a keyboard but even a xylophone will do. Book $18.95. Manipulatives kit $20.00 or $37.95 (laminated) From http://www.elijahco.com

B. Music Mind Games are cleverly designed so everyone wins. From 19 years of game-play teaching experience, Michiko Yurko has produced Music Mind Games,an extraordinary method of sensational games for learning music theory and reading. Governed by a nurturing teaching philosophy and mind-stimulating games, students will learn actual concepts to gain a pure understanding of theory but all through the medium of imaginative games. Within reach of the youngest of music students and enticing enough to entertain adults at any level. This book teaches how to use the Music Mind Games materials. In Part 1, Michiko shares her philosophy of joyful learning in an unhurried yet animated environment of students working together. In Part 2, the teacher is guided through 24 chapters and more than 200 games. Students have fun internalizing concepts such as the musical alphabet, intervals, rhythm, dictation, the staff, musical symbols, tempos, scales, major/minor key signatures, triads and 7th chords.575 photos and over 300 illustrations help even the nonmusical teacher understand this imaginative teaching technique. Published by Warner Bros. 430 pages, softcover. $21.20 Book, games and manipulatives are available from Lamoureux Violins http://www.lviolins.com/detail/my1945.html (book) ; http://www.lviolins.com/t_aids.html#mm_games (manipulatives and games) rest, half note, half rest ;Lesson 3-Beginning to read rhythms using flashcards 1-24

C. Homeschool Music Curriculum at $9.95 includes: 10 fun and easy to follow lessons plans (for ages 3-8); Music Symbol Manipulatives for the children to cut, color, and paste; Comes in convenient 3 ring Binder for ages 3-8. Lessons include Introduction-A complete explanation of how and why you include music as a part of your homeschooled child’s explanation; Lesson 1 -Discovering the meaning of “Rhythm”; Lesson 2-Introducing rhythmic notation.Using the included flashcards:quarter note, quarter esson 4-Recognizing musical symbols ; Treble Clef; Bass Clef; Lesson 5-Introducing the musical staff using examples: Jesus Loves Me, Staff, Staff Worksheet; Lesson 6-Establishing proper placement of notes on the staff.; Lesson 7-Learning to recognize the whole note. Understanding the amount of time it represents in music. Whole Note Flashcards; Lesson 8 Identifying the whole rest, Distinguishing it from the half rest, Placing it on the staff in the proper position; Lesson 9-Reviewing all the rhythmic notation learned so far.; Lesson 10 -Introducing the double bar line, repeat sign and understanding their function. See sample of lessons at : http://members.aol.com/JasonWendy/snapshot.htm (She also offers an inexpensive music curriculum with manipulatives kit for games to help children learn music symbols and rhythm. http://members.aol.com/JasonWendy/homeschool.htm) Wendy Arcega’s clear and readable tips on “How to Teach Music in the Homeschool” Go to http://members.aol.com/JasonWendy/articles.htm

D. The Big Book of Music Games by Debra Olson Pressnall and Lorilee Malecha. A primer for elementary students and a time-saving resource for teachers. Easy-to-play activities help children identify notes, rests and other music symbols. Trivia quizzes teach facts about famous composers, Bingo-type games help kids identify music instruments. Exercises to strengthen reading skills. 320 reproducible pages, softcover. $15.95 from http://www.christianbook.com

E. Suzuki Games from Musical Kids, Inc http://www.suzukigames.com/

F. Music Ace 1 Recommended for ages 8 to adult, or for younger children if they are reading at a third grade level or better, Music Ace 1 is a CD Rom package combining solid instruction and introduction to music fundamentals for beginning music students of all ages as well as engaging drill work through the use of games. A series of 24 self-paced lessons reinforce fundamental music skills and an understanding of music theory. Comprehensive lessons featuring such topics as; keyboard basics, pitch identifications, note reading, sharps & flats, introduction to key signature, major scales, and much more. 24 challenging games, one per lesson, sharpen music skills and improve retention of important lesson concepts. Finally, the child takes what he has learned to the Music Doodle Pad and composes, plays back and listens to his own music using a variety of instrument sounds. The software has received more than 28 awards. Music Ace 2 picks up where Music Ace leaves off to reinforce musical instruction, both vocal and instrumental. Available from http://www.timbledoodle.com

G. Usborne Music Theory for Beginners $7.15 from http://www.christianbook.com

H. PRAISE HYMN Box 1325, Taylors, South Carolina 29687,  864-292-1990 , “God Made Music” series, K-7, uses CDs/cassettes, flashcards, some playing to teach music concepts. From http://www.praisehymninc.com;

I. SOUND MUSIC EDUCATION, “Rhythm without the Blues”, rhythm training course, step-by-step, basic musicianship skills, ages 12 and up B 4691 McMorran Way, Victoria, BC V8Y 3B7 Canada,  877-595-6011  at http://www.sound-music-ed.com/~soundmus/

 

Top

General Reading List on music education:

A. Raising Musical Kids by Patrick Kavanaugh is for “musically challenged” parents who want to raise musical kids. Broad range of advice on every aspect of music training from finding your first music teacher to what to do when your child wants to quit lessons. ISBN0892839031 $8.79 from http://www.amazon.com

B. Music for Minors by Christine Dillon from Hewit Homeschooling Resources. Parents do not have to be experts on music to help children with these games and activities that help children learn about sound and music, music notation and instruments. An instrument is not necessary though useful with the book. Lists resources, composers and compositions and children7s songs. 129 pages. $8.95 from http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com

C. Music Education in the Christian Home by Mary Ann Froelich ISBN:1568570317 This book will help you nurture and encourage your child’s understanding and appreciation of music. Gives an overview of music history and homeschool music programs. If you feel you are not musical enough to teach your children, or you don’t have the time or money to include music into your curriculum, this book is for you! Grade level: All. 230 pages. (Currently out of print) Soft cover $14.95 from Noble or http://www.amazon.com

 

Resources for learning an instrument Method books, digital keyboard software, CD Roms, videos and other products:

The Pianoforte:

• SATERNA MUSIC PUBLISHING, the Technique through Music program is a product by Helena Sandler, B. Music- McGill, an accomplished professional pianist, accompanist, music publisher, and a music teacher who has taught piano privately and at McGill University in Canada. For all ages from primary (kids who can recite the alphabet from A to G forwards and backwards can use the program), elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. Using what Sandler calls pattern memory, ie music you know and love to learn to play the piano, on your own at your own speed, you learn music by playing melodies not drills. Eg Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata teaches you triads. This pattern was used extensively by Beethoven in this composition and becomes a learning tool. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s dances teach you fluency and ease in sight-reading. Folk songs of many lands teach you how music is structured. Primary Level 1 BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING; Primary Level 2 NOW THAT WE’VE BEGUN; Primary Level 3 WE MOVE ON. at the Primary Levels (children learn Note Reading, Note Values, Fundamental Finger Patterns, Rhythms and Time Signatures, fingering confidence within a setting of Fairy Tales, Fables, Riddles, Nursery Rhymes, Tongue-Twisters, Poetry, Nonsense Songs, Art, Animal Friends’ Lyrics, as well as Classical Themes and Folk Songs of many lands); TECHNIQUE THROUGH MUSIC AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL ($15), INTERMEDIATE LEVEL ($25); at ADVANCED LEVEL ($45) Feature many different finger and technical patterns such as Alberti Bass, Chords, Double Thirds, Five Finger, Legato, Melodic Notes, Repeated Notes, Staccato, Tremolo and Triads. Each pattern has pages of original works by the Masters. ) 20. PO Box 3172, Mission, BC, V2V, 4J4 Canada,  604-826-1753  Available from http://www.saternamusic.com.
• The PROGRESSIVE PIANIST, is a comprehensive piano course that has been used successfully by homeschooled students around the world. It takes you from beginning fundamentals, to musical competency with skills to read and play any style of music. All music pieces(original compositions in classical forms (minuets, waltzes, sonatinas etc.) as well as contemporary styles), theory worksheets and finger exercises are contained in one workbook. All music, finger exercises and performance pieces are clearly demonstrated (on high quality, digitally mastered cassette recordings) first with a metronome clicking the duration of the song, then the piece is repeated with a fully orchestrated accompaniment with which the student plays along. Music facts are taught in the lesson through a performance piece. Each lesson is followed by the integrated theory worksheet and finger exercises are assigned to stretch and strengthen the finger muscles. Every lesson includes written theory practice to reinforce music concepts; finger exercises are assigned to stretch and strengthen the finger muscles. Online help is available at any time as students work through the course. Students may apply what they have learned to familiar tunes found in the Hymns and Christmas Favorites collections. Designed by a conservatory trained piano teacher with 18 years experience.North Island Productions, 14950 Sun Forest Dr, Penn Valley, CA 95946,  916-432-5355 , http://www.jps.net/nrthilnd/prgpnst.htm; Also available from http://www.rainbowresourcecenter.com or http://www.christianbook.com at $39.95

• Usborne Piano Course Clear easy text and straightforward exercises allow readers to advance at a slow steady pace. Cartoon characters explain musical terms and symbols and give helpful hints about how to play. Familiar tunes and original compositions help consolidate skills and build confidence. Ages 5+. 32 pages each. Soft cover from Usborne. Book 1 and 2 $6.35 each from http://www.christianbook.com Usborne Learn To Play Easy Piano Classics. Over forty classic arrangements from the well known composers such as Brahm, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Beethoven, and more. Includes a short biography of each of the authors and covers the baroque, classical, romantic, and other styles of music throughout history. Grade level: K+. 64 pages. 334061$10.95 Soft cover from Usborne. Also available from http://www.christianbook.com
• Piano method books

A. John Thompson’s Modern Course for Piano and John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course; John W. Schaum Piano Course; Alfred’s Basic Piano Library – Adult Piano Course Purchase from Music Basics http://musicbasics.com/music-basics/pianomethods1.html;

B. Bastien Piano Basics Series offer self-teaching lesson books using a carefully graded, logical learning sequence to teach piano from scratch. Music includes a mix of pop, folk, classical and contemporary styles. Piano method series includes Piano Method Primer; Piano Method 1, 2, 3 and 4 at $6.45 per book. Theory series includes Theory Primer and Theory 1 through 4 each at $4.95 from http://www.sonlight.com;

C. Faber & Faber – Piano Adventures

D. Edna-Mae Burnam – A Dozen A Day; Alfred d’Augerge Piano Course

E. Suzuki Piano School; Suzuki Piano School – Piano Books

• Horace Hopper’s Musical Adventures from PRESCHOOL MUSIC teaches the piano to 3-5 year olds in 3 months using and a piano or keyboard, good web site, samples online. As Horace guides your child through the adventure he or she will build musical skills including rhythm, pitch and the ability to recognize orchestral instruments. The adventure will also enhance your child’s memory, ear training, counting, listening and fine motor skills as well as develop a foundation for math and science skills. After completing all of the Adventures, your child will have been introduced to sharps, flats, quarter notes, 5 notes in the treble clef, playing with the beat, loud, soft, high and low pitches, and hand synchronization. $39.99 Price includes: 3 full Audio CD’s of Adventures and Education with grand Orchestrations; Simple Sound Effects and Songs to play with Horace (all on the black notes)! Making puppets from two old socks and acting out the dialog in the adventures Drawings to trace and color (Andrea Octopus playing the Timpani is just one); Story Illustrations with incredible Graphics (laminated for extra durability)! Note: adventures have a US setting, eg Real World Adventures such as finding Denver on the map and learning to dial 911. Greenwood Studios, 4817-C South Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105,  918-748-8898 , http://www.preschoolmusic.com/whats_included.html

• Easy Adult Piano Beginners Course $14.95. Large book 160 pages of step-by-step piano instruction that begins in easy A-B-C notation and progresses to standard notation in the treble clef and easy play in the bass clef. A unique feature is the presentation (Part 3 of the book) of 20 songs in very easy format (all note names written in), immediately followed by a harder version. Professionally arranged to make adult beginners sound great and inspire them to continue to learn. For the absolute beginner, with detailed explanations and examples, worksheets, and lots of music.
  https://www.ipns.com/smssl/ADULT.EP.RECOMMEND.HTML#5

• Teach Yourself To Play an Instrument series (Piano; Harmonica; Guitar; Recorder) Easy-to-follow instruction guide and companion CD featuring the basics of music making. Discover the thrill of creating the style of music you love most: For beginners of all ages. Between $15.95 – 19.95 each from http://www.christianbook.com

• Video piano lessons from Chris Rochell, Inc. PIANOTEACHER.COM Box 1127, Ocoee, Florida 34761,  80…, imitate and learn what you see on TV, uses 8 videos to teach piano in a fun way The Rochellian Theory is based on this freedom of musical expression. The theory is rooted in an analogy between reading words as an infant and reading notes as a young musician: First, you learn to talk as a baby, then you eventually learn to actually read words. The parallel is that, as a music student, you can play the piano first, then you can eventually learn to read notes.$24.95 each includes: Video, music book and Free shipping and handling! 1613 Doreen Av. Ocoee, FL 34761 1-800-409-1444
  email: info@pianoteacher.com

• Making Music is a composing software designed to be completely intuitive. By simply drawing onscreen, kids see, hear, and learn the basics of musical composition. It presents the components of music visually and aurally, so children of any age can experience what composing music is like before they embark on a formal music education. Complementary sections on melody and rhythm expand the child’s creation still further. MAKING MORE MUSIC A CD-ROM designed to introduce kids eight and up to the world of musical composition. Guided by real-life maestro Morton Subotnick, kids get an opportunity to act as composer, performer and audience through four sections and some ear-training games. In Chamber Music, for example, kids create original compositions by clicking notes on staffs. They learn about and experiment with—tempo, scale and dynamics; develop rhythms and experiment with nine percussion instruments; make musical variations by moving blocks of music around. Instruction, formatted as QuickTime movies, explain program functions and the basics of music, from pitch and musical time to notation and musical form. Testers noted that the interface is a bit inscrutable, at least at first. Many of the tool icons are confusing and not labeled. Making More Music is said to be not as immediately accessible as its award-winning predecessor, MAKING MUSIC. This is not a game, and kids will only get out of it as much as they put in but testers said that for those who persevere, the rewards can be music to your ears. $29.95. Available from The Voyager Company, 88…, Mac and Windows CD at http://www.voyagerco.com

• Free On-Line Piano Lessons at http://www.primenet.com/~hawaii/ and from Piano on the Net at http://www.artdsm.com/piano/index.html

Electronic or digital keyboard learning kits:

A. Disney Keyboard Starter Kit for all electronic keyboards $14.95;

B. Quick-Start Keyboard Starter Kit With Headphones for all electronic keyboards $24.95;

C. The Yamaha Music Kit For all Yamaha electronic keyboards $24.95 all above 3 kits available from: https://www.ipns.com/smssl/G11A.KYBD.STARTER.HTML;

D. Jump! Piano Discovery System software. Features one full year of piano comprehensive instruction in basic music theory and piano technique with a Professional quality MIDI piano keyboard with 49 full size velocity sensitive keys, printable music, sixty songs options to download more songs. 3D graphics with colorful animation, Interactive narration tutors each step of the way. Software tracks your progress and evaluates each practice session with suggestions for improvement. Piano Discovery Version 3 will now print out the music that you are practicing on. Quick time videos allow you to watch an accomplished pianist play lessons you are working on, so you can see hand positions and fingering An option is the bundled Christmas Collection (includes 250 lessons, 19 teacher demos, and 21 songs) along with the Level 1 Software; an extra $24.99 value for free! Retailed at $224.94 and also the Gospel collection at http://www.timberdoodle.com/catalog.asp?SessionID=&prevPage=%2Fdefault.asp&Goto=19&go.x=24&go.y=16

E. The Complete Instruction Course Easy Electronic Keyboard $19.95 For older kids and adults https://www.ipns.com/smssl/ELECTRONIC.KEYBOARD.MUSIC.HTML

The Violin

Violin method books for learning the violin are listed at http://www.bright.net/~hhelser/sheila.html; Books on String Pedagogy http://www.uvm.edu/~mhopkins/?Page=books.html; John Krakenburger also recommends a syllabus for the future violinist, see http://www.geocities.com/krakenberger/sevcik.html; and http://www.geocities.com/krakenberger/syllabus.html

http://www.geocities.com/krakenberger/syllabus.html:

Staple String Method Books for the Violin:

l DANCLA: School of Mechanism for the Violin, Op. 74 (50 exercises for the left hand, ranging from first position on one string to 5th position);

l DONT: Twenty-Four Exercises for the Violin, Op. 37, “Preparatory to the Studies of R. Kreutzer and P. Rode”

l FIORILLO: 36 Caprices or Etudes

l FLESCH: Scale System

l HRIMALY: Scale Studies for Violin

l KAYSER: 36 Elementary Studies, Op. 20

l KREUTZER: 42 Etudes

l MAZAS: Seventy-Five Melodious and Progressive Studies for the Violin, Op. 36

l SCHRADIECK: School of Violin Technics, Book 1

l SEVCIK: School of Violin Technics, Op. 1 (fingering); Op. 2 (for good bowing technique via training of the left-hand wrist.); SEVCIK: Shifting the Position and Preparatory Scale Studies, Op. 8 (caters to shifting positions); SEVCIK: Preparatory Studies in Double Stopping, Op. 9

l WOHLFAHRT: Foundation Studies (This work is a collection of “Wohlfahrt’s Greatest Hits” from Op. 45, Op. 54 and Op. 74 ; 60 Studies, Op. 45; Forty Elementary Studies, Op. 54 ; 50 Easy Melodious Studies, Op. 74

l Applebaum, Samuel. String Builder. Miami, FL: CPP/Belwin Inc., 1986. Three volumes, and each one comes with a cassette or CD containing accompaniments to the songs in the method book.

l Dillon, Jacquelyn, James Kjellard, and John O’Reilly. Strictly Strings. Van Nuys, CA: Highland/Etling, 1992. A two-volume new method book for heterogeneous classes that includes a cassette or CD accompaniment .

l Johnson, Sheila. Young Strings in Action. Farmingdale, N.Y: Boosey and Hawkes, 1986. 2-volume method book based on Paul Rolland’s approach to string playing. Cassette accompaniments to each book.

l Viva Vibrato! by Gerald Fishbach and Robert Frost. Kjos Music Publishers. First of its kind. A step by step approach to teaching vibrato in group or private situations, this book combines exercises for developing vibrato with short pieces for putting vibrato into a musical context. Available: Teacher’s Manual, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.

l Suzuki Instructional Materials. Secaucus, N.J: Summy-Birchard Publications. All of the Suzuki schools of instruction come with cassette or CD accompaniments (Besides the violin, there is Suzuk viola, cello, bass, flute, harp, guitar, and piano).

l Blake, John and Jodi Harmon. Jazz Improvization Made Easy, Vol.1. Westford, MA: Jody Harmon, John Blake, Paul Harmon, 1993. Method for teaching jazz improvisation. Student should have experience equivalent to completing Suzuki method book four. Cassette or CD accompaniment included.

Videotapes Related to String Performance Instruction

Beginners:

• Fiddle For Kids taught by Luke & Jenny Anne Bulla. Complete two tape series–parent’s choice honor winner in 1995. Video 1: $24.90 from Janet Davis Music Company  501 855-0700  Information & Foreign  501-855-0451  (fax 24 hours) http://www.janetdavismusic.com

• Introduction to Violin Video by Jim Tolles is a 60 minute video course designed to teach the beginner how to read music, how to hold the instrument, develop proper bowing technique, and play in tune. It utilizes many closeups to show proper hand position and technique. Unique split screens show both hands in detail and utilizes onscreen notation for all of the music with a bouncing ball type pointer showing each note as it is being played. Songs include Alphabet Song, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, and Sunday Waltz. $14.95 Order Violin Primer Book by Jim Tolles (companion book to the video)which shows the beginner all the techniques necessary to get started on the violin. Order from www.cvls.com/order.html or for $12.50 from Janet Davis Music Company  501 855-0700  Information & Foreign  50… (fax 24 hours) http://www.janetdavismusic.com

• Anyone Can Play Violin by Coral White. 65-Minute Video Compatible with Suzuki pedagogy, is designed for anyone of any age who wants to play violin. Teaches the basics for all types of performance, from classical to country, in a clear, step-by-step process. Includes fee instructional booklet. $29.95 from Janet Davis Music Company http://www.janetdavismusic.com

• “Maestro” VIOLIN instructional video created by Paul Wayne Beach, is designed to help give beginners the best possible start in learning to play any of ten classic musical instruments. 52 minutes, each video contains between six and ten lessons presented by highly experienced music teachers in a clear and concise fashion with actual students demonstrating each new skill. Beginners will learn specific techniques as well as the basic notes necessary to play simple songs. From how to care for and hold the instrument to how to actually play it. Teacher, BILL SCUTT (Bachelor of Music Degree from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati Master of Music Degree from the University of Illinois; taught in Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio Public School systems and as Private Teacher for over 40 years. Held the first Violin seat with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra from 1953 – 1980. The “Maestro” series won an honor in the catogory of ‘Most Innovative Educational Product’ in 1993. Order from http://www.aestheticartist.com/mfe/default.html

For intermediate to advanced students:

• Exploring the Bow Arm. A collection of two videotapes by Cole, Orlando and Lynn Harrell. Ann Arbor, MI: Shar Products Co., 1994.It covers presentation of basic principles and the correction of common faults and tensions on the cello. There is a demonstration by a nine year old student, a performance by Lynn Harrell, and volume two contains an advanced level analysis of Sevcik Op. 3. This could be a useful supplement for intermediate to advanced students.

• Greenhouse, Bernard. Cello Master Class. Ann Arbor, MI: Shar Products Co., 1994. Two volume videotape of Bernard Greenhouse giving masterclasses. He discusses the art of cello playing, nuance, phrasing, interpretation, fingering, and more. While this is not a method of instruction, a video such as this is could be used to enhance performance instruction of intermediate to advanced students.

• Galamian, Ivan. Master Teacher Series. Ann Arbor, MI: Shar Products Co., 1994. This is a series of five videotapes. Volume one focuses on bow strokes, scale system practice methods, discussion of rhythms, bowing combinations, coll?, martel?, etc. The other volumes deal with pieces from the repertoire. Useful for a teacher, not so practical to use with a young student.

• “Posture and Balance — The Dynamic Duo” by Ronald Mutchnick. Featured at the American string teachers association/NSOA convention in Los Angeles in 1999, the video explains all aspects of violin (or viola) playing, it also can be referred to again and again for continued learning and for remedial work including detailed explanations and demonstrations of left and right hand skills for violinists and violists. A complete overview of the fundamentals of relaxed, healthy violin technique and an important reference work resource for serious students and inquiring teachers of the violin. $24.95 Order from Ronald Mutchnik, 4222 Club Court, Ellicott City, MD 21042, contact Ronald Mutchnik at  410-461-0618 , or e-mail: rjm26@home.com

• Violin for Musicians, Secret Weapon Video Helen Schatkowski Martin. The tape includes: GETTING READY: Relating the hand to the bow, Placing and supporting the violin, Tactile orientation, Vibrato; HOW YOUR BODY WORKS: Regulating right-hand tension, Using gravity to shift toward the scroll, Stabilizing the shifting action; BUILDING SCALES: LEFT HAND ACTIONS , Changing strings: shoulder release, Hand walking: Baroque shift, Toning muscles, using pizzicato, Two contact points for stability; BOW ACTIONS: Using released weight; Shoulder release for short stroke; Off-string bowing, Triple bowing. Adopts a whole-string approach presenting key and mode (grounded in Gordon’s Music Learning Sequences a key or keyality approach). Linked with Rolland Actions. Goal is to encourage teachers and beginning adult students to think in terms of key and mode as well as rhythmic development rather than continuing, exclusively, with the mechanics-dominated, conventional so-called student repertoire. Achieved Finalist Status in the Educational Category of the NEW YORK FESTIVALS video division and reviewed in The STRAD Magazine. $39.95 Available through FRETLESS PRODUCTIONS, 27 N. 2nd Street, Easton, PA 8042-3601 Email: fretless@ptd.net. Available also from Southwest Strings, at the same price, plus $6.25 for shipping.

Top

Teaching Software:

The Practice Assistant Software Win 95 Plays etudes and technical studies At any tempo Unique “segmented playback”. Features popular studies by: Flesch/Hrimaly/Kayser/Kreutzer/Sevcik/Wohlfahrt/Dotzauer/Popper and many others. $59 from http://www.webcom.com/virtvirt/practice/html/violin.html

Encyclopaedia of the Violin (Multimedia Edition) Probably the best bargain to be found with so much information about the violin. The CD benefits from both expertise and planning and should be in every violinists CD drawer. Editors: Emmanuel Jaeger, (violinist and conductor) Frederic Laurent (journalist and audiovisual producer) and Jean-Michel Molkhou (music critic well known for his writings on the violin and his exhaustive discographies published from time to time by the Strad Magazine). Available from http://www.editionsmontparnasse.fr/violin

Instruction in Other Instruments:

A. Alfred’s Beginning Drum Kit includes Alfred’s Drum Method, Book 1 gives beginners basic instruction and 23 solos to perform. You get a tunable practice pad and a pair of drumsticks. $24.95 from http://www.christianbook.com

B. The Usborne First Book of the Recorder Friendly cartons introduce simple music theory and techniques. Offers interesting facts about the recorder and some tunes to practise. Book costs $10.95 and a recorder costs $8.75 from http://www.sonlight.com

C. Teaching the Recorder, introductory music theory and beginning recorder practice, everything you need is provided, including 20 lesson plans, games, and masters, $20 send email or write to 10462 Islington Ave, Suite 205, Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada, L0J 1C0,  905-893-2273 ,

D. Teaching Beginner Flute – Guest writer Karen Stafford shows you “eight” steps for teaching a successful first lesson. http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article8.asp

E. Westbury Parks Strings school offers tips for violin-playing http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~leonid/prod02.htm Suzuki Violin Repertoire list posted by Indiana University String Academy site http://www.indiana.edu/~yvp/rep.shtml;

F. Westbury Parks Strings school offers tips for cello-playing http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~leonid/prod02.htm;

G. 200 Practice tips for the viola at http://www.viola.com/practice-tips.htm;

H. Tips and Tricks on Teaching Guitar – With students varying greatly in age and ability, my lesson plans vary greatly in approach and content. To support this diversity, I have come up with a 3-fold approach to teaching music that I believe will support any instrument. I have used it successfully with guitar, bass, and mandolin students at all levels. – by Trevor McPherson http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article20.asp;

J. Tips and Tricks on Teaching Guitar- Part II – Trevor McPherson has built his student enrollment by taking a “value-added” approach. His informal teaching style helps students discover that music is easy and fun. Does it work? Well, he’s been stealing students from the other teachers in town. Here’s how he does it. – by Trevor McPherson http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article21.asp

 

 

Music Appreciation Resources

MUSIC APPRECIATION RESOURCES

Preschool to elementary:

A. From Calvert School is Melody Lane, K through Third Grade video program includes 32 lessons on 6 VHS videocassettes, a detailed parent’s guidebook and lesson manual with suggested follow-up activities. Students meet and watch violinists, folk singers, opera singers, members of a string quartet, practice and perform. They visit instrument makers, hear orchestras, and see dance performances. Students learn about the families of instruments, rhythm, and important composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Aaron Copland. Great enjoyable enrichment program. Lessons include: The String; The Percussion; The Brass; The Woodwind Families; The Orchestra; The Conductor; Bands; Keyboards; Rhythm, Beat, Tempo and Duration; Melody by Steps and Leaps; American Folk Music; Songs from Other Countries; Moving to Music; Let’s Pretend: Dramatic Improvisation; Dance; Instrument Makers; Make Your Own Instruments; Tempo and Dynamics; Bach and Handel; Mozart; Beethoven; Aaron Copland; Singing and playing Together; Music as Expression; Music Tells a Story; Music in Religion; Children Make Music. View demo at http://home.calvertschool.org/hs/curriculum/

B. Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra video Price: $20.25 Available from http://www.rainbowresource.com/

C. Classical Kids Series is a really unique and powerful audio series that gets kids interested in classical music. Narrated by the rich and famous like Jeremy  Irons, the 40-50 minute recordings on cassette or CD weave fictional stories with well-known music from famous composers. Titles include Beethoven Lives Upstairs; Mr Bach Comes to Cal; Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery; Mozart’s Magic Fantasy; Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage; Hallelujah Handel; Tchaikovsky Discovers America. Available at $9.95 a cassette or $17.95 (CD) from http://www.sonlight.com or http://www.christianbook.com

D. Meet the Great Composers Kit includes a 72-page book, 17 activity sheets and 17 profiles of composers of the Baroque through the Contemporary period and a CD that presents works by each composer. Designed to be a 20-30 minute long unit study featuring a picture. A short biography, a brief overview of the composer as well as a quiz page. Pre-K-adult. Book 1 and 2 $19.90 from Hewitt Homeschooling Resources catalog http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com or $23.95 from http://www.christianbook.com

E. Music Master Biographies. Musical Selections with Narration CDs This series introduces children of all ages to the world’s best-loved composers and their music. In each selection, a composer’s life is discussed, and selections of his most renowned works can be played. Excellent narrations and sound quality. Biographies of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Wagner, Schumann/Grieg, Berlioz, Verdi, Strauss, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Foster/Souza. $7.00 per composer. From http://www.elijahco.com

F. Focus on Composers by Patty Carratello. Famous people will come alive with biographies, related activities, and lots of extras. Integrating facts and inspiring human interest stories throughout the text helps this curriculum spark interest in your entire family. Soon you will know famous composers and artists by name. Grade level: 4-8. 112 pages. Soft cover from Teacher Created Materials. ISBN: 1557344922 $11.95 from http://www.amazon.co.jp

G. The Usborne First Book of Music A colorful introduction to music appreciation for 6-12 year olds. Do-it-yourself activities, whimsical illustrations, kid-friendly articles on the art of listening, dancing, composing, how instruments work and choosing instruments they would like to play. $7.95 from http://www.christianbook.com

H. The Usborne Story of Music A suitable introduction to the different periods and styles of classical music, different instruments and lives of famous composers for kids aged 10 and up. $7.95 from http://www.elijah.com

I. The Gift Of Music by Jane Smith and Betty Carlson. Includes fascinating descriptions of the music of 40 leading composers from the 17^th to 20^th century whose faith – or lack of it – influenced Western civilization. The way the authors have integrated the lives, philosophies and music of great composers makes for an excellent overview of the development of musical thought. Also lists recommendations for further reading and listening. Homeschoolers have said this book can be used as a complete classical music history education curriculum from early ages through to senior high students, and is easily tied in with any history curriculum. Level: 4+. 317 pages. Soft cover from Crossway Books. ISBN: 089107869X $12.79 from http://www.amazon.co.jp

For junior high:

A. Classical music CD start-up kit Over 78 minutes of classical music together with notes introducing classical music in 40-page booklets. Written by Christopher Mohr, editor of on-air magazine, the notes describe what is happening as you listen to the music, and the text s tied directly to the music, timed down to the last second. Volume 1 covers AD 1500-1825 music and Volume 2 covers AD 1825-1945 each $7.00 from http://www.sonlight.com

B. The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music. Set of 10 CDs containing the most important works of the most famous composers rom 1685-1928 performed by renowned orchestras. Selections from the music of Bach, Handel, Purcell,Vivaldi, Albinoni, Gluck, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Rossini, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Weber, Schumann, Liszt, Verdi, Wagner, Suppe, Offenbach, Rubinstein, Grieg, Smetana, Strauss, Bizet, Delibes, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mahler, Elgar and Ravel. $49.95 for the set from http://www.elijahco.com

For high school and beyond:

A. Music & Moments with the Masters introduces your children to the lives and music of 16 of the greatest composers of western music. Each set contains 8 recordings. Year I Bach; Handel; Haydn; Mozart; Year I also includes the book, The Gift of Music; Year II Beethoven; Schubert;Mendelssohn; Verdi; Year III Schumann; Chopin; Wagner; Grieg; Year IV Strauss; Brahms; Tchaikovsky; Dvorak; Year V Classical Composers and the Christian World View is an analysis of Western music from the Christian world view. Your children will hear the dramatic differences from century to century and learn why there is such a difference! Product by the Cornerstone Curriculum Project 2006 972-235-5149 Flat Creek • Richardson, Texas 75080 http://www.CornerstoneCurriculum.com. View samples at http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/samples/music1.htm; http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/samples/music2.htm

B. The Kingfisher Young People’s Book of Music. Hailed by conductor Sir Georg Solt as “an invaluable first introduction to music and musicians”. An encyclopedic resource that explores musical traditions and instruments from around the world; learn about how music is made; follow the development of both classical and popular music; study about great composers, past and contemporary. Color illustrations throughout. $13.95 from http://www.christianbook.com

Online resources:

American Symphony Orchestra http://www.playmusic.org/ A fabulous Web site that teaches the various instruments and sections of the orchestra in an entertaining way with real music to go along with each instrument. There are also some interactive games to go with it.

Guide to the Orchestra http://www.geocities.com/~cmsunday/orchestra.html

 

For listening:

A. Classical Midi Archives Amazing site featuring classical music for listening. List of composers arranged according to a chronologically timeline see: http://www.prs.net/timeline.html

B. Classical Composers Archives A very large listing of world composers at by timeline, nationality or music genre with MIDI listening files at http://voyager.physics.unlv.edu/webpages2/picgalr2.html

C. The Piano Education Page features Midi files of upper elementary through intermediate and advanced teaching literature and selections of essential piano music repertoire. Click on The Audition Room from the main page to hear that Bach minuet or Mozart Sonata or Chopin Waltz. http://www.unm.edu/~loritaf/pnoedmn.html

For research and info:

A. Classical Net is perhaps the most well-organised and longest list of classical composers http://www.classical.net/music/mstrindx.html Particularly excellent resource if you need to research information on any composer and want to know about his life and works. Also organized chronologically by time line at http://www.classical.net/music/rep/lists/index.html composer dates along with links to Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Britten, Chopin, etc. home pages http://www.classical.net/music/links/complink.html;

B. The Piano Education Page has piano composer biographies at  http://pianoeducation.org/

C. Westbury Parks Strings’ violin composer resources and repertoire. A list of Violin Players / Composers, notes on the development of Violin playing http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~leonid/violinist_composers.htm

D. Suzuki Violin Repertoire list posted by Indiana University String Academy site http://www.indiana.edu/~yvp/rep.shtml

E. HyperMusic–History of Classical Music Useful to homeschoolers who are looking for a short concise history of music. Menu is organised by period http://www.crosswinds.net/~musichistory/hist/mainmenu.html

For images:

A. Portrait Gallery of Classical Composers, hundreds of portraits (useful for making your own timelines) at geocities.com/Vienna/Choir/4004/;

B. Carolina Classical Connection Collection of music-related links. A website specially designed to help students study about classical music, composers and the history of classical music resources (Middle Ages through 20th Century) classicalmus.hispeed.com

 

Online Music Stores:

Saturna Publishing: www.saternamusic.com/

Musicsheet Plus: www.sheetmusicplus.com/

The Music Room: www.musicroom.com/

Music Books Plus: www.musicbooksplus.com/browse.php

 

Copyright Kawagoe 1999 (Updated Dec 2010)