Young Persons Guide to Music
#1 in Young Person's Guide Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
With its combination of book and audio CD, this book provides the ultimate interactive guide to the instruments of the orchestra. The reader can tune into the CD - recorded specially for this book - and hear the instruments featured on each page. A combination package that makes music accessible and fun includes an original fifteen-track CD and backup text to demonstrate sounds of instruments and musical examples as well as illustrated timelines that chart the lives of famous composers and performers and pinpoint important musical developments.
Discussion points
What instrument would you love to learn to play and why?
How does the music you hear make you feel?
What kinds of music do you think animals might enjoy?
Can you imagine what your life would be like without music?
If you could meet any musician from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Play different genres of music for your child and discuss how each type is unique. Use examples from the book to guide your exploration.
While reading, encourage your child to express how the music discussed might sound. You could even try creating some of your own music together!
Discuss the various roles of people in the music industry, from musicians to sound engineers, as presented in the book, to broaden your child's understanding of the field.
Attend a live musical performance or watch one online to bring the content of the book to life. Discuss the experience with your child, referencing specific sections from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Music
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, 'Young Person's Guide to Music' introduces the different elements and genres of music, teaching children to appreciate the diversity and beauty of musical expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate various types of music in their daily lives, enhancing their cultural awareness and broadening their auditory experiences.
Example Lesson: History of Music
Explanation: Neil Ardley provides a chronological guide through important eras of music history, from classical to modern times, encouraging an understanding of how music has evolved over the centuries.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children connect historical events with musical evolution, fostering a deeper understanding of history through the arts during their school lessons or personal reading.
Example Lesson: Musical Instruments
Explanation: The book introduces children to various musical instruments, their sounds, and how they are played, cultivating an interest in learning to play music.
Real-World Application: Children may be inspired to learn an instrument, improving their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination while enjoying a creative outlet.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Through encouraging exploration of music, the book underscores the importance of creative self-expression and how music can be a tool for emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that they can use music as a form of expression to convey their feelings and emotions in both personal and communal settings.
Example Lesson: Teamwork through Music
Explanation: The book highlights the concept of orchestras and bands, showing how individuals work together harmoniously to create beautiful music.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in everyday interactions by understanding the value of cooperation and teamwork, whether in school projects, sports teams, or community activities.