Music Curriculum

"An ideal way to introduce children to the magic of music--delightful, charming, wonderfully entertaining, beautifully illustrated."--Gerard Schwarz, Music Director, the All-Star Orchestra

Discover what a symphony is. Who Beethoven was. What happens when a conductor takes the podium and faces of the orchestra. And when you should and shouldn't clap.
Here is a unique, interactive introduction to the world of classical music, presenting one of the most famous symphonies ever written, by one the most famous composers who ever lived.

With its 19-button sound panel, you'll hear the different parts and voices of the music--the beginning of Symphony No. 5, the melody, the harmony, the sounds made by a violin, a viola, a cello, a double bass, and more. And you can even sing along.

Note to parents: The secret to raising a child to love and appreciate classical music isn't a secret at all. You just need to listen with your child and be a willing explorer. Talk about what you hear. Marvel at the sounds. Try to identify the instruments--and have fun with it!

Classical Music For Dummies is a friendly, funny, easy-to-understand guide to composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more. Classical music is widely considered one of the pinnacles of human achievement, and this informative guide will shows you just how beautiful and rewarding it can be. You'll learn how Bach is different from Beethoven, how Mozart is different still, and why not all classical music is actually Classical if it's really Baroque or Romantic. You'll be introduced to the composers and their work, and discover the groundbreaking pieces that shake the world every time they're played. Begin building your classical music library with the essential recordings that define orchestral, choral, and operatic beauty as you get acquainted with the orchestras and musicians that bring the composers to life.

Whether you want to play classical music or just learn more about it, Classical Music For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know to get the most out of this increasingly popular genre.

Classical music has begun sneaking into the mainstream -- if your interest has been piqued, there's never been a better time to develop an appreciation for this incredibly rich, complex, and varied body of work. Classical Music For Dummies lays the groundwork, and demonstrates just how amazing classical music can be.