A HISTORY OF MUSIC FOR CHILDREN, by Mary Richards, David Schweitzer, Rose Blake, Thames & Hudson, Sept. 21, 2021, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6-8)
What is music and why do we make it? Those questions and more are answered in A History of Music for Children, by Mary Richards, David Schweitzer and Rose Blake.
Embark on a musical journey around the world to meet the diverse cast of composers, musicians, and performers who are famous for making the music we love. From Johann Sebastian Bach to Billie Eilish, Hildegard of Bingen to DJ Kool Herc, Wolfgang Mozart to Miriam Makeba, musicians come from many different times and places and introduce music from a wide variety of genres.
A History of Music for Children looks at music’s transnational and boundary-breaking qualities. All over the world and throughout time, music has been recorded and passed down through different oral traditions and forms of notation. It has always been a powerful catalyst for change and connecting people. And what might the future of music hold? Exploring the technology used to listen to and create music, the authors imagine new possibilities such as computer-generated compositions and robot musicians. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
At my daughter’s elementary school, she is lucky enough to meet with a dedicated music teacher twice a week. The focus is music appreciation, music history and music theory. They also work toward choral concerts.
Unfortunately, most kids don’t get that sort of in-depth education, and that’s why a book like A History of Music for Children is so great. Not only is it entertaining and interesting, but it also fills in some of the gaps.
A History of Music for Children is divided into seven sections — What is Music; Exploring Music; Creating Music; Feeling Music; Seeing Music; Performing and Listening to Music; and What’s Next for Music. It also includes a timeline, glossary and ideas for listening. Most importantly, the book goes beyond general knowledge, introducing readers to a large cross-section of music and musicians.
A History of Music for Children makes a great gift for kids and parents alike.
