Themes To Remember, Volume 1

Rating:
Summary: IT'S ABOUT TIME !!!!
Review: "Themes to Remember" from Classical Magic is an extraordinary and fabulously fun way to teach children (and adults) about classical music. The unique but comprehensive format includes everything you & your children need to get started with the classics. Accompanying CDs offer short musical segments associated with each composer's creations. But it does not stop there! The well-rounded approach includes short and interesting biographies for each composer, child-friendly verses to classical songs, games & art, marching and dance, and musical notations for each theme (for those who play their own music or the beginning musician). Definitions are included for musical terms (sonata, minuet) and unusual words (semper Fidelis). Both Volumes 1 and 2 are highly recommended for teachers, parents, daycares/camps, and others who want to easily expand their children's musical horizons.

Rating:
Summary: Fun for all ages
Review: I am a music teacher who works with students ages 3 through adult, both privately and in classrooms. I really appreciate both Volumes I and II for their clever lyrics, short lengths to engage even the most wiggly children, stories that can be presented as plays, and especially the CD that allows one to quickly find any track when under pressure! I have used the Four Seasons by Vivaldi in Volume II as a art/listening project. The children drew pictures of the four seasons and learned the lyrics at the same time. They loved the Fall especially--"watch that spider!" Boys and girls alike will enjoy Saint Saens' "Danse Macabre," Stravinsky's "Infernal Dance," and the challenge of the high speed lyrics of Chopin's "Valse Brilliante." Even if the children are too young to read the lyrics, believe me, it won't take them long to learn them. Just take this CD with you on a car trip and you and your children will know classical music like never before! The older children and adults especially appreciate the humor that sails over the younger ones' heads. It doesn't come off as silly or juvenile, for which I am so grateful. It is especially appropriate for those times one gets caught teaching all ages at the same time.

I cannot wait for Volume III. Thanks for a great classroom teaching aid I will use over and over.

Rating:
Summary: Fun for all ages
Review: I am a music teacher who works with students ages 3 through adult, both privately and in classrooms. I really appreciate both Volumes I and II for their clever lyrics, short lengths to engage even the most wiggly children, stories that can be presented as plays, and especially the CD that allows one to quickly find any track when under pressure! I have used the Four Seasons by Vivaldi in Volume II as a art/listening project. The children drew pictures of the four seasons and learned the lyrics at the same time. They loved the Fall especially--"watch that spider!" Boys and girls alike will enjoy Saint Saens' "Danse Macabre," Stravinsky's "Infernal Dance," and the challenge of the high speed lyrics of Chopin's "Valse Brilliante." Even if the children are too young to read the lyrics, believe me, it won't take them long to learn them. Just take this CD with you on a car trip and you and your children will know classical music like never before! The older children and adults especially appreciate the humor that sails over the younger ones' heads. It doesn't come off as silly or juvenile, for which I am so grateful. It is especially appropriate for those times one gets caught teaching all ages at the same time.

I cannot wait for Volume III. Thanks for a great classroom teaching aid I will use over and over.

Rating:
Summary: Great for young children!
Review: I am an early childhood teacher with experience using Classical Magic in the pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and special needs classroom. It is a exciting way to expose children to classical music. Through lyrics Mrs. Persons has written to classical pieces, young children learn to sing the lyrics and in turn learn the composer and the title of the piece. Parents have come to me in amazment that their 4 or 5 year old can tell the family what piece Bach, Mozart,or Sousa wrote and then proceed to sing it for them! The best part is that the children ask me almost daily, "When are we going to do classical magic?" They love it! I recommend this concept of learning classical music to teachers, parents, and grandparents. Never underestimate the ability of young children!

Rating:
Summary: IT'S ABOUT TIME !!!!
Review: It's about time! Finally an author who found a way to introduce classical music to children on their own terms! My children take violin lessons using the Suzuki method and I am always looking for ways to slip classical music into their lives amongst the Disney tunes and pop-rock groups. It won't be long before your kids start recognizing classical pieces and their composers. If you are a homeschool teacher, this book is a wonderful way to teach your children about classical music. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: i'm sold on it!
Review: Themes to Remember, Volume 1 is a kid friendly system for teaching the appreciation of classical music. I wish this book and CD had been available when I was young, I might not have thought classical music was such a bore. I'd recommend this to any parent who wants to widen their child's musical horizons.

Rating:
Summary: The bridge between children and classical music
Review: This book and CD provided the bridge to classical music that my children were willing - even eager - to cross. The CD by itself is fun listening in the car or anywhere, but it's even better when used with the book. After a few weeks with this book and CD, children will blurt out the names and composers of classical music playing over intercom systems, or hum a familiar classical theme and casually comment about the composer and song title. Mine did! I recommend this book to anyone interested in educating their children the fun way.

Rating:
Summary: The bridge between children and classical music
Review: This book and CD provided the bridge to classical music that my children were willing - even eager - to cross. The CD by itself is fun listening in the car or anywhere, but it's even better when used with the book. After a few weeks with this book and CD, children will blurt out the names and composers of classical music playing over intercom systems, or hum a familiar classical theme and casually comment about the composer and song title. Mine did! I recommend this book to anyone interested in educating their children the fun way.

Rating:
Summary: Themes to Remember
Review: This book is so wonderful! 1 I am a Music educator and find it very useful with children at home and in schools. A must have!