Composers for Kids: Books, Activities, and Printables

Want to introduce your kids to composers and classical music? It doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some fun hands-on ideas and printables to help you learn about composers for kids!

Don’t miss the free printable Music Appreciation worksheet below!

I enjoy classical music and I want to teach my daughters to appreciate it, too. I think introducing musical appreciation in the early years is key to building that foundation, as well as encouraging any interest they may have in music or playing musical instruments.

One part of our music appreciation studies includes learning about composers. I’ve found a few resources that have worked well for us. We have added most of these to our morning basket time.

You can download this free printable Music Appreciation worksheet to record what you learn about any composers!

**Click to grab this free printable Music Appreciation worksheet!**

Composers for Kids: Recommended Resources

The Story Orchestra series ~ This series of books is a magical way to introduce kids to composers! Each book has a button to push to listen to the music (including opera in some cases) and read the story behind it. It also includes a short biography of each composer. A discussion of the instruments, musical techniques, and glossary of musical terms add to the learning! There are six books in the series:

Little Stories of Great Composers series ~ This book series by Ana Gerhard is a fun way to learn the stories behind the composers. Kids will like the mouse narrator, Minim, and the full color, detailed illustrations in these books. The series includes these books, plus two other music appreciation books by Ana Gerhard:

A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra ~ Orchestra Bob narrates this interactive, bestselling introduction to the world of classical music — from music history and key composers to instruments and arrangements. It even includes a removable poster and access to downloadable music so elementary-age children can listen as they learn. This book is immersive and engaging, proving that classical music is not boring!

Orchestra Bob introduces kids to the most powerful works from the greatest composers throughout history. He tells wacky stories about deaf composers and quirky musicians, and explores the inspirations behind monumental pieces. Kids will also learn about each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani, as well as different musical styles from Baroque to Modern.

SQUILT ~ I really can’t say enough about Super Quiet Uninterrupted Listening Time! This is an ingenious composer/classical music study by homeschool mom and music teacher Mary Prather. She includes everything you need to introduce your children to different types of music, composers, musical instruments, and musical terms. Even if you’re not naturally musical (like me), you can easily teach your children to appreciate music with these great resources! There are four volumes: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern.

Little Amadeus ~ PBS cartoon series on DVD about Mozart’s childhood. They take creative liberties with the stories, of course, but it does provide a good introduction to Mozart’s music and classical music appreciation in a fun way for kids. The DVDs have lesson plans and printables included with them as well.

The Usborne Classical Music sticker book is a fascinating pictorial introduction to the world of classical music. What is classical music? Who were the celebrity composers and musicians of their day? These questions and many more are answered in this beautifully illustrated information sticker book.

Arranged thematically, the topics include music for ballet, the orchestra, music and nature, and music and painting, with a QR code on each double page to listen to sample music on a smartphone or tablet. Internet links take you to samples of the music online. It’s a great resource!

Classical Music for Kids

One of our favorite ways to listen to classical music is through the Maestro Classics CD Collection featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra. These are narrated stories that are very engaging for kids of all ages. We have several of them and I highly recommend them!

There are 12 CDs in the collection, but each may be purchased separately, too.

We own The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Peter and the Wolf, and My Name is Handel, but I would love to have the whole collection!

You can also listen to a wide variety of classical music for free with Amazon Prime Music.

Music Homeschool Curriculum

We really enjoy the self-paced online courses from Music in Our Homeschool. There are several to choose from based on time period/style. Created by a homeschool mom and music teacher, Gena Mayo, these are a great way to include kids of all ages in the study of music appreciation. She is constantly adding new courses to the collection, too. I love to be able to support a homeschool family business while benefitting from great resources, too!

Music Appreciation Printable for Composer Study

Don’t forget to grab your free printable Music Appreciation worksheet to learn about composers!

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Sara

Author/Speaker/Consultant at Heart and Soul Homeschooling

Sara is a homeschool mom to 3 creative girls. She holds a degree in Social Work specializing in early childhood development, which led to her interest in individualized educational options like homeschooling. She believes that learning should be a lifelong adventure, not just a checklist to get through. She is a writer, avid reader, introvert (INFJ), and dreamer of dreams.