Classical Kids CDs

by Ami
(Indiana)

We used these Classical Kids CD's for music and composer study from 2006-Current.

Likes: Very entertaining. My son enjoys every title from this series (we've checked many out from the library and own a few). He has memorized various songs and the composers they belong to thanks to this series.

Dislikes: Some of this series has some mild language/name calling that I don't love being repeated over and over again.

I also could do without the magical stories. When my son was younger, it was confusing for him to distinguish between the fact and ficiton.

We like some of the titles (Beethoven Lives Upstairs) better than others (Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery).

Overall, they are okay. I have found the Ann Rachlin CDs to be a much better choice for us.

A Fun Way to Learn About Composers

by Lisa B.
(Embden, ME USA)

Levels Used: all
Dates Used: 2004 to present

Likes: We LOVE audio books and we really LOVE the Classical Kids audio books. It's a really wonderful way for children to learn about the different composers. We own...Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery, Mozart's Magic Fantasy, A Classical Kids Christmas, Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Mr. Bach Comes to Call, Tchaikovsky Discovers America, Hallelujah Handel, Song of the Unicorn, and Mozart's Magnificent Voyage. They are well put together & the composers music is used throughout so the children can learn what each composer sounds like as well as bits about their life.

Dislikes: There aren't more out there.

Very Interesting!

by Amber
(Dallas)

Levels Used: 2nd grade
Dates Used: 2011

Likes: fun, easy

Dislikes: none

Another great "car schooling" tool. I listed to "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" in my sister's car on a road trip. The kids were quiet and listened well. We all learned about Beethoven and enjoyed the music.

Entertaining, Educational and Excellent

by Christa
(Bath, MI, USA)

Levels Used: Pre-K thru Adult
Dates Used: 2005 - now

Likes: The Classical Kids CDs are my children's favorites, esp the Mozarts. The stories are entertaining, educational and appropriate for children. The arrangements are excellent. The recording quality, acting, and vocals are very professional. I detest most "music" marketed to children, but I very much enjoy these CDs.

Dislikes: The "magic" aspect of some of the stories may not appeal to some homeschoolers. In that case, they may simply wish to listen to the CDs with the historical tales (Beethoven, Bach, Handel, Tschaikovski) and avoid the Mozarts.

Classical Kids

by Holly
(Perris, CA, USA)

Product: Classical kids Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi,Beethoven

Subject: Music

Dates Used: 2004-present

Likes: The combination of stories and songs make these marvelous introductions to classical music for kids and adults. We love listening to them in the car. I've finally gotten Classical Christmas as a gift to the family for this Christmas.

Dislikes: I loaned two out to a friend and I never got them back. So, they are so good, be careful who you loan them to :-).

A Big Hit with My 9 and 8 Year-Olds

by Christie
(Portsmouth, VA)

Levels Used: all
Dates Used: 2009

Likes: The music with the story helps the keep the children's interest in listening. Both my son and daughter went to the library and saw the collection there and the librarian was very impressed when they both shouted "OH, we need to get MORE MOZART!!!" Could you ask for anything better than that?

Dislikes: I just wish there were more available. We are almost done with the collection!

Not Just for School

by Amanda
(Dallas, Texas, USA)

Dates Used: 2007/08

Likes: These are really fun CD's! My kids have thoroughly enjoyed them and still listen to them on occasion, long after we used them for school. In particular, my daughter enjoyed listening to these while doing her math.

Incredibly Painless!

by Kelly
(NW Oregon)

These CDs are wonderful. They include excerpts of the composers' pieces along with an enjoyable narration that includes tidbits about their lives. The characters in the narration are believable and all in all the CDs are pleasant even for adults. After years of taking them along on car rides or just putting them on at naptime, my children can recognize a remarkable amount of music and/or composers.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

by Heather
(Sachse, TX USA)

Beethoven Lives Upstairs is the only CD we have from this series currently. My kids beg to listen to this as they love both the story of the little boy and his family intermixed with their experiences with Beethoven living upstairs from them. The music that is played flows wonderfully with the story. I only wish that they would tell us the name of the pieces as they are played.