| Author | |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: April 29 2010 at 5:20pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Has anyone used: How To Introduce Your Child To Classical Music in 52 Easy Lessons?
It looks like an easy to use, interesting program. For years we have listened to classical music hear in a very easy, fun way. NOw that my dc are getting a little older, I am looking for something (still easy) that will give us more meat as we listen. We have done the "Can You Hear It?" books.
Is this the next step?
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: April 29 2010 at 10:01pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I use it at times throughout the year, Melinda. I really like it and find it very helpful! I'm not a music person though (I mean, I love listening, but anything more is not my talent!  ), so I'd defer to a music person for a stamp of approval review.
One of the reasons I like this resource so much is that it can be used in sequence, starting with Unit 1 and moving through in sequence, or you can use the Introductory Symphonic Works section as an introduction and then use only the units that provide background for the composers you're studying.
The 52 units are divided into 5 sections:
- Introductory Symphonic Works
- Symphonies and related works
- Concerti
- Smaller scale works
- Sacred Music
(I'm hoping the authors will one day publish a book of operas!)
It's layout is intuitive and helpful. I purchase individual recordings of symphonies, concertos, etc from itunes and then have it available to play for the lesson.
The layout of lessons is helpful:
** Materials needed - usually just the recording or piece, but sometimes something else is required (like on Unit 4, a picture book of the planets to accompany the lesson on Gustav Holst's The Planets. We love this work by the way (I have memories of listening to it on LP when my dad would play it!) - it's awesome to accompany a study of astronomy and the solar system!)
** Background for the Parent - this is very helpful! It's not so long as to be overwhelming, but there is plenty there for some great information. I read this aloud, but my children really enjoy this kind of information!
** Procedure - great information! This usually tells you to play a piece, maybe go back and play only one section. Often there are nuggets in there about the music representing footsteps, or animals, etc. Some units contain great helps in the Procedure section - very helpful!
** What the Student Should Listen For - This section has 4 levels of questions you can use to work with your child. I LOVE that the answers are right behind the questions usually!!!! It's nice to work through these. The authors suggest either sticking with the age appropriate questions, or to listen to a piece over and over again until you can work your way through all 4 levels of questions. Here is an example of What the Student Should Listen For from Unit 26: The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi:
Quote:
Level 1 - program music - How is the music spring-like? (light, airy, happy)
Level 2 - organization - Where can you hear a spring dance? (In the finale)
Level 3 - imitation of natural sounds - Listen to the opening. Can you hear the birds? (Three warbling violins) Can you hear a spring rain shower? (Unison violins with sudden streaks of lightning)
Level 4 - era - Despite modern-seeming touches, this is a very baroque piece. What make it so? (Harmonies, rhythm, emotional restraint compared to 19th century music) |
|
|
** Occasionally at the end there is a section entitled For further listening.
Hope this review is enough for you to figure out if this resource could be helpful, Melinda!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: April 30 2010 at 6:47am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I've been wondering about this resource myself. Thanks for such a thorough review Jennifer!
The time I have set aside for listening to classical music is the time for driving to piano lessons. We are in the car for 1/2 hour and I have a captive audience! I'm wondering if this would be easy to use in the car, with some preparation ahead of time.
__________________
Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: April 30 2010 at 7:06am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh, absolutely, Becky!
If it were me, I'd read the background information at some point before because this helps introduce the setting (political, cultural climate) and the composer. It's very interesting to us! (but we might be geeky that way!  )
Then, make a copy of the lesson page to bring in the car. All you really need is the Procedure (which truthfully is usually just, "play the piece," but sometimes there is that little something extra that really does help you appreciate more!) and What the Student Should Listen For questions.
You could listen and ask a few questions of your crew to see what they could answer. Maybe listen again and ask a few more questions. Continue to play the piece throughout the week and perhaps on Friday ask them the questions one final time to see if they're picking up on some of the nuances of the piece yet.
I think listening and having the lesson in the car is a great use of time, actually! I LOVE brainstorming ways to make car time more productive!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: April 30 2010 at 7:43am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh,good. I am glad to read this review. Thanks, Jen!
I found a nice copy on CathSwap that will be coming soon... 
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Parker
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2582
|
| Posted: May 01 2010 at 6:26am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks again Jennifer! Have you ever had a problem finding the pieces on iTunes? It seems like that would be the most economical way to go. I've not bought this book in the past because buying all the music to go with it would have been too expensive (and we already have a collection of classical music - just not all the right pieces). I didn't think of iTunes though. Maybe I should splurge on an iPod and be cool like my kids!
__________________
Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Paula in MN
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 25 2006
Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4064
|
| Posted: May 01 2010 at 7:12am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I have never bought music on iTunes. I have either already had those pieces on CD's, or I found them on YouTube.
__________________
Paula
A Catholic Harvest
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: May 01 2010 at 9:02pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Becky Parker wrote:
| Have you ever had a problem finding the pieces on iTunes? |
|
|
I haven't had problems finding them, but I haven't downloaded for every unit either. I looked ahead at some point, and I remember finding that I either had every piece on CD already, or could find it on itunes.
I can either play music we download from itunes through my laptop, or wirelessly (our preference) through our radio/CD player in the learning room. Just didn't want you to think you an ipod was necessary to play the music.
Or, you can do like Paula and find the pieces you're missing free on youtube. 
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Classical music appreciation book
