The Usborne
Famous Composers Picture Book

Famous Composers Picture Book

Looking for a fun, engaging way to introduce your little learners to the world of classical music? The Usborne Famous Composers Picture Book might just be the perfect addition to your educational toolkit! This delightful book is designed to captivate young minds, making the lives and works of legendary composers both approachable and entertaining.

The Usborne Famous Composers Picture Book is a visual feast, brimming with colourful illustrations and fascinating snippets about the lives of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. Each page is a treasure trove of information, presented in a way that keeps kids hooked and eager to learn more. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a homeschooling parent, this book can serve as a fantastic springboard for deeper discussions about music history and the creative process behind some of the world’s most beloved compositions.

But it’s not just about the facts and figures! The book also includes interactive elements like simple quizzes and fun facts that make learning feel more like a game than a lesson. Imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces as they discover that Beethoven continued to compose even after losing his hearing, or that Tchaikovsky was initially trained to be a lawyer! These engaging stories help to humanize these iconic figures, making them more relatable and inspiring for young readers.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a resource that combines education with a dash of fun, The Usborne Famous Composers Picture Book is definitely worth a spot on your bookshelf. Happy teaching, and may your classroom be filled with the joyous sounds of discovery!

Author: Anthony Marks

Anthony was born in Leeds, England and studied at the Queen's College, Oxford and Goldsmiths' College, University of London. He is a composer, arranger and author with a special interest in music for children and music education. His work is published by Usborne Publishing, ABRSM, The Royal School of Church Music, Boosey & Hawkes, and others.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Usborne
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 22.2 x 1 x 28.4 cm
  • Reading age: 8 - 12 years old
  • Publication date: 1 July 2016
  • ISBN: 1474920578

Read alongside these topics:

A brief look at famous composers past and present.

Ludwig van Beethoven composer

When it comes to weaving the magic of music, some composers stand out as true maestros of melodies. Let's dive into the world of famous musical composers, past and present, and discover how their enchanting notes have shaped the soundtracks of our lives.

Starting with the classics, we have Ludwig van Beethoven, the rockstar of the Romantic era. Even though he started losing his hearing in his late 20s, Beethoven composed some of the most iconic pieces of music ever, like his Symphony No. 5 and the Moonlight Sonata. His work is proof that creativity can flourish even in the face of adversity. Use Beethoven’s story to inspire your students about overcoming challenges and the power of persistence!

Fast forward to today, and you'll find that the baton has been passed to incredible contemporary composers like John Williams. If you've ever found yourself humming the theme from "Star Wars," "Harry Potter," "Jaws," or "Jurassic Park," you have John Williams to thank. His ability to craft memorable and emotionally resonant scores has made him a household name and a living legend in the world of film music. Share his music with your students to ignite their creativity and show them how music can bring stories to life.

Whether you're a teacher looking to introduce your students to the timeless beauty of classical music or a parent wanting to cultivate a love for modern scores, these composers offer a treasure trove of inspiration. Their music is not just a treat for the ears but a doorway to understanding history, culture, and the boundless creativity that can shape our world. Happy teaching!

Does Usborn's Famous Composers book align with the framework of KS1 Music?

Usborne's Famous Composers Picture Book is a great resource for introducing classical music to children aged 7 and up. However, it may not fully align with the Key Stage 1 (KS1) Music curriculum in England, which covers ages 5-7.

Key Stage 1 Music Curriculum

The KS1 Music curriculum focuses on four main areas:

  • Listening and Responding: Children learn to listen attentively to a range of high-quality live and recorded music and respond physically, verbally and through movement.
  • Singing: Children learn to sing a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs.
  • Playing Instruments: Children learn to play tuned and untuned instruments musically.
  • Creating and Composing: Children learn to experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.

Alignment with Usborne's Famous Composers

Usborne's Famous Composers Picture Book aligns well with the Listening and Responding aspect of the KS1 curriculum, as it allows children to listen to music by famous composers. However, it does not directly cover the other areas like Singing, Playing Instruments, and Creating and Composing.

To fully align with the KS1 Music curriculum, teachers may need to supplement the Usborne book with additional activities and resources that focus on the other areas of the curriculum.

In conclusion, while Usborne's Famous Composers Picture Book is a valuable resource for introducing classical music to young children, it may not be sufficient on its own to cover all aspects of the KS1 Music curriculum. Teachers should consider using it as part of a broader music education program that includes a variety of activities and resources.

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