Computer Music

We plan to enroll M & R into piano or violin lessons this fall, but in the meantime, I have exposed them to music using some computer programs, particularly Apple Garageband (Mac only) and Finale Songwriter 2007 (Windows and Mac).

The user interface for Finale Songwriter 2007 contains empty music sheets. After selecting musical instruments, you can point and click to add notes and then play your music to hear what it sounds like. This exposes children to the musical staff, notes, and the sounds of instruments. M composed her first piano piece at the age of 5. All right, before you start thinking I'm bragging about my child protege, she really was just pointing and clicking randomly, but the random notes actually sounded pretty good. This was a learning experience for her and preparation for future music lessons.

Apple Garageband contains a mini keyboard. As you play the keyboard, the song is recorded. It is certainly a different perspective, but one that is easier for younger children. The mouse movements require less dexterity, and the keyboard method allows a child to hear the music as they play. This allows a child to familiarize themselves with a piano and with musical sounds at an early age.

What is also great about these programs is that they not only teach children about music, they familiarize the child with a computer (program navigation and mouse control). Furthermore, children learn something about creating and innovating. Art is not just about appreciation; it is about experiencing and creating something new. You don't have to be 40 to create something great.

Little Einsteins

Of all the children's videos out there, I am most impressed with the Little Einsteins. The stories illustrate great pieces of classical music. My favorite (as well as the girls' favorite) is the Rocket's Firebird Rescue, based on Stravinsky's The Firebird. It is a ballet that tells the story of Kastchei who seeks to destroy the Firebird, and the Little Einsteins seek to rescue the Firebird from the cage where Kastchei holds the Firebird captive.

The videos build knowledge of music terminology like crescendo and allegro. They learn about instruments, tempo, art, conducting, singing, and ballet, but the most significant thing they gained was appreciation and awareness for music. After the girls watched Rocket's Firebird Rescue, we got the music. We put the CD in without telling M & R what it was, and when they recognized the music, they started jumping with excitement, in time to the music.

In Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge Adventure, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony tells the story of the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, which gives them some science as well. The 4 kids help a caterpillar get to the musical tree where it forms its chrysalis, and once it emerged, they helped the new butterfly migrate south.

M & R beg to watch these movies over and over, but even little K who is not even two yet loves to sit and watch them too.