Music for Little Souls

Music is a thread that has woven itself throughout the entire tapestry that is me. My mother was a much respected piano teacher in the midwestern village that I called home as a child. Musically, my earliest memories are learning some simple black key and white key songs...keyboard topography pieces. Then, hours and hours of listening to piano lessons. Listening to these lessons naturally familiarized me with the teaching repertoire and the intermediate and early advanced classics. My mother listened to classical music from her record collection. The only records I really remember listening to as a young child, though, are Burl Ives' Little White Duck and Annie.

As I grew, my interest in music matured and in turn developed a love for classical music with only a requisite nod to the pop music of my peers. Going on to earn an advanced degree in music, I was so immersed in this music, there wasn't time for anything else.

When my husband and I started the family, there was one thing I was certain about: our children would be raised in a rich musical environment. Since the Prof is a professional musician, our children have the unique opportunity to regularly see and hear very talented opera singers, pianists, and instrumentalists of every type rehearse in our home studio. But, in the day to day, it is the music that comes from our stereo speakers that provides their basic musical nutrition. And I mean to feed them a diverse, bountiful, and gourmet diet.

Many friends and acquaintances have asked about the recordings we recommend. Mostly it comes down to the musicality and quality of the recordings. I abhor recordings with synthesized instrumentals, groups of toddlers singing out of tune, and patronizing arrangements, in the same way that I reject poor quality literature for children. Charlotte Mason refers to the dumbed down literature as "twaddle" and I think the description is apt for much of the music aimed at children.

But there are exceptions. This is part I of the list of CD's that have withstood the test of time for my children. I will primarily represent recordings directly intended for children, though I strongly encourage parents to listen to, discuss, and dance to classical music of all types with children.

So grabbing from the top of our stereo tonight, I find:

Dance on a Moonbeam: a collection of songs and poems
by Bill Crofut with Julianne Baird*Benjamin Luxon*Dawn Upshaw*Frederica von Stade* Meryl Streep (Telarc)

This CD is absolutely one of our all time favorites. Mr. Crofut began this project in 1998 with a vision of "offering poetry, song and the word-music of Shakespeare to children who I believe can be counted on to respond to the fresh impact of beauty. They need not be talked down to." Yes! That so eloquently states my philosophy about children's music.

Even the liner notes are a delight as they are illustrated by Mr. Crofut's daughter Erika. She explains: "As a child I remember my dad would always include my sisters and me as he composed songs. He would ask, "Is this what the poem sounds like to you?" On this project he asked me, "What do you think the poems look like?" I have been imagining these drawings for years..."

Sadly, Mr. Crofut died of cancer before the project was completed. He recorded the title song for the album just months before his death. The rest of the album is a mix of wonderful folk music and recitations from Shakespeare's plays. This album is as good as it gets for children's music.

you are my little bird by Elizabeth Mitchell with her husband and daughter. (Smithsonian Folkways Recording).

Ms. Mitchell's rendering of these lovely folk songs is fresh and intimate. While the album is sweet, it is not syrupy at all. Ms. Mitchell has an earthy tone to her voice which gives a pleasant restraint to even the most rambunctious songs. The album is clearly intended for the younger children, but that doesn't keep the adults and older children from wanting to hum along on these lilting numbers. Many of the songs are about birds, so it would be a perfect gift for a young bird lover.


Circle Time: Songs & Rhymes for the Very Young by Lisa Monet (Music for Little People)
Okay, I'll admit it: this one is a little too sweet. BUT, Ms. Monet accompanies herself so nicely on the guitar, has a pleasant voice, and sings such a nice sampling of the classic children's songs, that we just can't resist it. She uses a "pre-school" tone, but even after ten years, I still haven't tired of this one. It's just fun!

Real Music for Kids by Helen Marlais is a delightful new addition to our collection. This CD has 61 tracks of intermediate level piano music composed by the likes of Telemann, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Rameau, Bach (J.S. & C.P.E.), Beethoven, Scarlatti, and many others. Most of the tracks are under a minute or not much longer. It is a collection of little character pieces that offer great opportunity for movement, story telling, and inspiration for the piano student. I noticed at the website that there are others in the series...I am sure we will be exploring some of these, too.

And the last one for tonight...

Snoopy: The Musical (Original London Cast) This one came into our collection after I read about it on Melissa's blog. This is pure fun. Everyone responds when the first track of the CD starts up and we all sing along. There is humor, history, love, tongue twisters and drama. We all love it; even my 1 1/2 year old dances and croons along to the brassy Broadway songs. Melissa gives a vivid summary of the riches found on this album, so be sure to check out her description.

Oh my, there is still so much wonderful music to discuss. I would love to know what other families are enjoying musically in their homes, so don't hesitate to give us some titles and recommendations in the comment box. Maybe this should turn into a Lovlieness of Children's Music event? Anyway, more recommendations to come...