Listen to the Music
What’s inside...
Press the buttons to hear the music in this time-traveling journey around the world, as young readers embark on a magical adventure through the history of music! Stopping off at 10 key chronologically organized moments in history, in different places around the world, readers meet a great musician in each, and can press their instruments to hear a clip of their musical masterpieces! From 1600s England, where you can hear the harpsichord play Greensleeves, to 18th Century Munich, where you can hear Mozart’s piano sonata, to a classical Indian raga in 1700s Udaipur, to New York in the 1940s, where readers can press Charlie Parker’s saxophone to hear bebop Jazz, this book will teach children about cultural history, famous musicians and musical genres all while wanting to press the buttons and hear the music again and again. Each musician tells you about where they live, how their music was inspired, and what it means to them, teaching children about the origins of these most magical melodies. A great playtime or bedtime read, complete with a soundtrack that tracks key moments in musical history, children will love to listen to the most beautiful and important, genre defining bars of music time and time again.
Age
3-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different musical instruments make you feel while reading the book?
Why do you think the author chose music as a central theme of the story?
What kind of music would you like to explore or learn to play?
Can you describe a scene from the book where music changed the way characters felt or acted?
Which musical instrument from the book would you most like to play and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading the book with your child, take short pauses after introducing each musical instrument to discuss its unique sound and role in music.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the different music styles mentioned in the book, fostering emotional connection and vocabulary expansion.
Use the book as a springboard to explore various music genres together, either by listening to recordings or attending live performances, to make the experience more immersive.
After reading, invite your child to draw or describe their favorite scene involving music from the book, reinforcing their understanding and creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity through Music
Explanation: Mary Richards' 'Listen to the Music' explores various musical traditions from around the world, showcasing a wide range of cultures and sounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect different cultures and backgrounds, enhancing their social and emotional development.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Creativity
Explanation: The book encourages children to engage with music creatively, whether by learning an instrument or composing their own songs.
Real-World Application: This can lead to improved cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Listen to the Music', cooperating with others to create harmonious music symbolizes the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or in play, learning the value of cooperation and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Practice
Explanation: The characters in the book often practice their instruments diligently, showing that perseverance is key to mastering a skill.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Joy and Expression Through Music
Explanation: Music is portrayed as a source of joy and a medium for expressing feelings in the book.
Real-World Application: Children learn that music can be a healthy outlet for expressing their emotions and managing stress in everyday life.