The Usborne Famous Composers

Usborne Presents:
Famous Composers Picture Book

Usborne's Famous Composers picture book is an engaging reference book designed for children aged 7 and up, aimed at introducing young readers to classical music and its renowned composers. Here are some key features of the book:

Overview

Content: The book explores the lives and contributions of famous composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi, providing insights into their music and historical context.
Interactive Elements: It includes QR codes that link to music samples, allowing readers to listen to the works of the composers discussed. This interactive feature enhances the learning experience by connecting text with audio.

Structure

Illustrations: The book is richly illustrated, making it visually appealing and accessible for children. This helps to engage young readers and stimulate their interest in classical music.
Learning Activities: The content is designed not only to inform but also to inspire creativity in children, encouraging them to explore music further through various activities.

Purpose

Overall, Usborne's Famous Composers is a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to introduce children to the world of classical music in an engaging and interactive way.

Author: Anthony Marks

Anthony Marks, the author of Usborne's Famous Composers, is a British composer, arranger, and author with a notable focus on music education for children. Born in Leeds, England, he pursued his studies at Queen's College, Oxford, and Goldsmiths' College at the University of London. Marks has contributed significantly to music literature, with his works being published by esteemed organizations such as Usborne Publishing and the Royal School of Church Music. His passion for making classical music accessible and engaging for young audiences is evident in his writing, which often incorporates interactive elements to enhance learning experiences.

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

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How can this book help in teaching a KS2 music lesson on Antonio Vivaldi?

Usborne's Famous Composers can be an excellent resource for teaching a Key Stage 2 (KS2) music lesson on Antonio Vivaldi. The book provides a concise overview of Vivaldi's life and contributions to classical music, making it accessible for young learners. It includes beautifully illustrated pages that capture the essence of Vivaldi's work, particularly his famous composition, The Four Seasons.

Interactive Features: The inclusion of QR codes allows students to listen to excerpts of Vivaldi's music, reinforcing their understanding through auditory experience. This can enhance engagement and help students connect with the material on a deeper level.

Contextual Learning: The book places Vivaldi within the broader context of other composers, which can facilitate discussions about musical styles, historical periods, and the evolution of classical music. This comparative approach encourages critical thinking about how Vivaldi's work relates to that of his contemporaries and successors.

Overall, using Famous Composers in a KS2 lesson on Vivaldi not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a love for classical music among students.