Music is the universal language. It has been referred to as the 'quickening art' as it stirs our emotions and carries messages to a place deep within our hearts that words alone cannot reach. Throughout history, music has been used as a great healer. It's only in our modern day that it has become purely a means of entertainment. I hope you enjoy exploring the power music can have in your home and in your life as you read, watch, and listen to this month's selections.

(One more time...you don't have to read it all in one month! We'll be back by several times.)

Here is a perfect introduction:
Benjamin Zander: The Transformative Power of Classical Music (a TED talk)

Audio: Music 

Well-Educated Mother's Heart Learning Library: Music for the Well-Educated Heart

The first book I included is a book written by Thomas Tapper called Music Talks with Children. Tapper wrote that children "should know [music] as an art, full of beauty and of dignity; full of pure thought and abounding in joy. Music with these characteristics is the true music of the heart. Unless music gives true pleasure to the young it may be doubted if it is wisely studied." Much to ponder

Then I included a book to give you a brief introduction to music appreciation if you somehow missed that along the way.

Next is part of a book in Music Appreciation that was put out by Victor Talking Company. Can we even imagine how exciting it was for them to be able to play records for the children so they could hear all the musical selections? While we no longer have access to the records they suggest, you'll find a lot of selections that you can access through YouTube on the internet. It's meant to be a resource of ideas for you.

Then you'll notice a chapter on the power of national songs and finally a discussion on why hymns matter.

Recommended songbooks:

• The entire Wee Sing Series
• American Folk Songs for Children by Ruth Seeger
• LDS Children's Songbook -- Although there are some songs with LDS doctrine, you'll find many songs with universal appeal about family, nature, and being good. This online resource has options for you to listen to the songs and many of them have Spanish, French, and Portuguese options

Other good books:

• Sing Me a Story -- Metropolitan Opera book of opera songs for children
• Dance Me a Story -- Stories behind the great ballets
• The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta von Trapp -- The true story of the musical family behind the Sound of Music
• Spiritual Lives of Great Composers by Kavanaugh -- The great masters of music were driven to reveal the very glory of God to the human heart. Read little known stories of the composers pertaining to the spiritual faith. Includes suggested masterpieces to listen to.

More YouTube inspiration:

• Will one of the nation's greatest violinists be recognized in a subway station?
• Leonard Bernstein's Young People Concerts -- About half of them are available on YouTube, but you should be able to find the rest through your public library.
• Benjamin Britten: The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

I also really enjoyed this Reader's Digest article from 1955 for the reluctant musician: The Night I Met Einstein

Forgotten Classics:

• Stories of Great Musicians (Great Lives Series) - I included several stories of the great composers from their childhoods
• Stories from Art and Music History Parts I and II (Nature, Art, and Music Series) - These books are included in the Months 11 and 12 bundle shipments. I thought this was a very enjoyable and understandable introduction to Music and Art History. The books are arranged by country.
• Stories of the Hymns (Nature, Art, and Music Series) - As you read the stories behind the most endearing hymns, you'll come to recognize the pattern of inspiration behind them. Hymns can bring comfort in ways nothing else can. (Coming in Month 9 bundle)
• Stories of the Operas (Nature, Art, and Music Series) - Operas appeal directly to the emotions. Many people never acquire a taste, but you will open up a world of delight if you introduce them in childhood. Here are stories behind some of the most popular operas. (Coming in Month 10 bundle)
• Online Library 

I stumbled across this little book and really like it. The writer proposes a development route of introducing music by having the children make their own musical instruments. She gave me much to think about pertaining to music education.

Speaking of making instruments, prepare to be inspired:

• Video 1
• Video 2

If money is tight, there are many ways to introduce music in your home without breaking the bank. Our voices are free, for one thing. But also, keep your eyes open in Craigslist for pianos. People aren't taking lessons like they used to and often they just want to get rid of their pianos. They're costly to move and I've seen several that were incredibly inexpensive--as in FREE. I was at Goodwill a few days ago and there was a piano for $79.00. It was pretty beat up, but with a good tuning, it would be a great starter piano. Let people know you're looking! You may be pleasantly surprised.

Great movies about love of music for the whole family:

• The Music Man (1962)
• Sound of Music (1962)
• Rhapsody in Blue (1945) - Story of the Gershwins
• Stars and Stripes Forever (1952) - John Philip Sousa
• Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - George M. Cohan