Why am I passionate about this?
I have been a professional violinist and teacher for over 30 years. I perform in the Washington-Idaho Symphony and specialize in the Suzuki method. My studio at the University of Idaho Preparatory Division includes violin and viola students ages 5-18. My career as an author began when I searched the shelves at my local library for books for my students to read. Only a few books about classical music graced the shelves. So I decided to try to do something about the void I noticed. My second book, about a trailblazing woman composer erased in history because of her gender, is forthcoming from Bushel & Peck Books.
Diane's book list on children’s books about classical music
Why did Diane love this book?
I remember what it was like to be a music student. Like the boy in this book, I sometimes wanted to crumple up my music into a tiny ball and throw it to the floor. Can you relate?
In Allegro, the author quickly gets to the heart of why we practice our instruments. Gorgeous illustrations remind us ̶ the dots on a musical page are merely a tool to transport us to magical places.
A side push-button panel gives us refreshing snippets of 11 classical musical masterpieces. The music is pleasantly in tune, unlike other books with sound buttons I have come across.
I also love the end pages. They are chock full of tidbits about the amazing composers who wrote the music featured in the book.
1 author picked Allegro as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Meet Allegro, an ordinary boy who can't stand practicing the piano. Those black dots on the page drive him crazy―until the music itself whisks him away on a breathtaking journey. Each beautifully illustrated scene on Allegro's journey is accompanied by a famous classical theme that can be played with the press of a button. Hear Grieg's "Morning Mood" while meandering through a misty meadow, Dvorak's "New World Symphony" while exploring uncharted lands, Debussy's "Claire de Lune" while pondering a shimmering night sky, and 7…
- Coming soon!