100 books like Teaching Music to Children

By Blair Bielawski,

Here are 100 books that Teaching Music to Children fans have personally recommended if you like Teaching Music to Children. Shepherd is a community of 9,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Listen to the Birds

By Ana Gerhard, Cecilia Varela (illustrator),

Book cover of Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music

Jonathan Peters Author Of Meet the Orchestra: A Guide to the Instruments of the Orchestra Through Star Constellations and Greek Myths

From the list on children’s books on classical music.

Who am I?

I am an award-winning composer, author, and educator. Since 1990 I have had the privilege of teaching others about music through my concerts, children’s books, academic books, lessons, and online courses. 

Jonathan's book list on children’s books on classical music

Why did Jonathan love this book?

Listen to the Birds is part of the series An Introduction to Classical Music. Author Ana Gerhard chooses a different theme for each book and then puts together a collection of songs by various composers which is related to that theme. What a great idea! The included CD only gives you excerpts from the pieces, but that is probably because it is meant as an “intro” to classical music for a younger audience with a shorter attention span. I would recommend despite this downside, since further listening can always be done separately from the book if the readers are interested to hear more.

By Ana Gerhard, Cecilia Varela (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Listen to the Birds as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of:

Parents' Choice Gold Award

Throughout history birds have caught the imagination of composers and inspired their creativity, and this selection of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others introduces children to classical music through the discovery of the melodious similarities between notes produced by instruments such as the flute, the organ, and the harpsichord and the birds’ songs. In addition to lovely illustrations, the book features a glossary of musical terms, a short biography of each composer, and a brief description of each bird evoked or mentioned in the composition. The accompanying CD offers excerpts of 20 different…


My First Classical Music Book

By Genevieve Helsby,

Book cover of My First Classical Music Book: Book & CD

Jonathan Peters Author Of Meet the Orchestra: A Guide to the Instruments of the Orchestra Through Star Constellations and Greek Myths

From the list on children’s books on classical music.

Who am I?

I am an award-winning composer, author, and educator. Since 1990 I have had the privilege of teaching others about music through my concerts, children’s books, academic books, lessons, and online courses. 

Jonathan's book list on children’s books on classical music

Why did Jonathan love this book?

This is a great little book for introducing younger readers to their first pieces of classical music. Although it is meant for a younger audience, there are many anecdotes that slightly older readers will also enjoy. The accompanying music is available in both a CD and an online version. The recordings are from Naxos which has an excellent music library of top-notch performances. A great value!

By Genevieve Helsby,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My First Classical Music Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

My First Classical Music Book is a delightfully colorful introduction to classical music, designed to fire the imagination of children aged 5-7 years. Readers are asked to think about the different places in which we might hear music. Then, each of the major composers and musical instrument families are introduced and brought to life in a vivid and enchanting way. Throughout the book, children are referred to the accompanying audio CD so that they can hear examples as they read. This is the most exceptional book of its kind, providing an absorbing experience for both eyes and ears.


Johann Sebastian Bach

By Mike Venezia,

Book cover of Johann Sebastian Bach

Jonathan Peters Author Of Meet the Orchestra: A Guide to the Instruments of the Orchestra Through Star Constellations and Greek Myths

From the list on children’s books on classical music.

Who am I?

I am an award-winning composer, author, and educator. Since 1990 I have had the privilege of teaching others about music through my concerts, children’s books, academic books, lessons, and online courses. 

Jonathan's book list on children’s books on classical music

Why did Jonathan love this book?

This book is from a series of books entitled Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Composers, which features many different composers. The books are easy to read and will be enjoyed by both younger readers and older readers alike. The cartoon-style artwork may look silly, but the material is informative. Music education would not be complete without some information on the composers who wrote the music. A great series!

By Mike Venezia,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Johann Sebastian Bach as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A brief biography of the prolific eighteenth-century composer and organist who created some of the world's greatest instrumental and religious music.


Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition

By Anna Harwell Celenza, Joann Kitchel (illustrator),

Book cover of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition

Jonathan Peters Author Of Meet the Orchestra: A Guide to the Instruments of the Orchestra Through Star Constellations and Greek Myths

From the list on children’s books on classical music.

Who am I?

I am an award-winning composer, author, and educator. Since 1990 I have had the privilege of teaching others about music through my concerts, children’s books, academic books, lessons, and online courses. 

Jonathan's book list on children’s books on classical music

Why did Jonathan love this book?

In the Once Upon a Masterpiece series, author Anna Harwell Celenza tells the stories behind various classical music masterpieces. She does so in an engaging way for children ages 6-9. I love how she is a musicologist and uses documented evidence to tell the story behind the piece. The illustrations incorporate folk art and symbols from the composer’s country. The author includes multiple links so that readers can listen to each masterpiece.

By Anna Harwell Celenza, Joann Kitchel (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When his friend Victor suddenly dies, composer Mussorgsky is deeply saddened. But, with the help of his friends, and through his own music, Modest finds a way to keep Victor's spirit alive.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the inspirational story behind the composition of Pictures at an Exhibition. Bright, colorful illustrations incorporate elements of Russian folk art and traditional symbols. View pages from artist JoAnn Kitchel's notebook for explanations of the symbols and see her pencil-sketch research of the Russian culture.


The Listening Book

By W.A. Mathieu,

Book cover of The Listening Book: Discovering Your Own Music

Barry Green Author Of The Inner Game of Music

From the list on music inspiration.

Who am I?

I am the former Principal bassist with the Cincinnati Symphony and am currently active as a soloist, educator, and author of three books on the mind, body, and spirit of music. My first book is about the mind, The Inner Game of Music, followed by The Mastery of Music on the human spirit of over 120 great musicians and Bringing Music to Life exploring physical skills of communication of all artists, actors, and dancers. I hope to inspire artists of all disciplines, that our performances come from our hearts and souls and not the technical form of dance, music, or words. Performers express feelings and use this gift to spread inspiration and joy to the world.

Barry's book list on music inspiration

Why did Barry love this book?

The Listening Book is about rediscovering the power of listening as an instrument of self-discovery and personal transformation. By exploring our capacity for listening to sounds of music, nature, and one’s own breathing, we can awaken and release our full creative powers. Mathieu guides the reader to hearing the connections between all sounds of music and everyday life. It is insightful and surprising to notice what is around us at any moment of the day and apply this heightened awareness to understanding and connecting with music listening or performance. This awareness can be neglected but applicable to connecting our inner soul with the outside world and to life. Brilliant illuminations from a genius composer, musician and teacher W.A. Mathieu. 

By W.A. Mathieu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Listening Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Listening Book is about rediscovering the power of listening as an instrument of self-discovery and personal transformation. By exploring our capacity for listening to sounds and for making music, we can awaken and release our full creative powers. Mathieu offers suggestions and encouragement on many aspects of music-making, and provides playful exercises to help readers appreciate the connection between sound, music, and everyday life.


Book cover of Making Music and Having a Blast! A Guide for All Music Students

Gayla M. Mills Author Of Making Music for Life: Rediscover Your Musical Passion

From the list on helping you make music.

Who am I?

After dabbling in music in my youth, I returned to playing roots music over fifteen years ago. I’ve joined music circles, jammed, made new friends, and learned a lot. My husband Gene and I have recorded three albums and played at bars, festivals, weddings, and listening rooms. Professionally, I’ve spent years as a writing teacher and writer, and I also teach at an annual folk music camp. I wanted to share the joys of music with others, so I talked with dozens of musicians, dug down to find rare resources, and pulled it together into Making Music for Life to make it easier for others to pursue their own musical journey.

Gayla's book list on helping you make music

Why did Gayla love this book?

This book comprehensively addresses a wide range of topics geared toward teen music students, from the foundations of practicing and understanding theory to working with a teacher and parents, playing in an orchestra, or planning a music career. Although some of the topics are useful for any musician (such as practice ideas and improving one’s musicality), this book is best for guiding adolescents on a musical path.

By Bonnie Blanchard, Cynthia B. Acree,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Making Music and Having a Blast! A Guide for All Music Students as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In her follow-up to Making Music and Enriching Lives: A Guide for All Music Teachers, Bonnie Blanchard offers students a set of tools for their musical lives that will help them stay engaged, even during the challenging times in their musical development. Blanchard discusses issues such as finding an instructor, selecting the right instrument, and choosing a college or conservatory. The book includes lessons on music theory and history as well as a guide to finding additional materials in print and online. Blanchard's strategies for making practice productive and preparing for auditions are useful tips students can return to again…


Musical Excellence

By Aaron Williamon (editor),

Book cover of Musical Excellence: Strategies and Techniques to Enhance Performance

Paul Harris Author Of You Can Read Music: The Practical Guide

From the list on musical pedagogy.

Who am I?

Paul Harris is one of the UK’s most influential music educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches. He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (he has written over 600 books); and his inspirational masterclasses and workshops continue to influence thousands of young musicians and teachers all over the world in both the principles and practice of musical performance and education.

Paul's book list on musical pedagogy

Why did Paul love this book?

For anyone who is performing at any level really, this book will help them enhance their performance and manage the stress that sometimes seems to appear in the performance situation. The book looks at ways to approach the music that we have decided to perform a variety of practice strategies and some particularly interesting techniques for all-around improvement taking in both the physical side of playing and the musical side. It’s a serious and quite academic book but well worth the effort.

By Aaron Williamon (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Musical Excellence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Musical Excellence offers performers, teachers, and researchers, new perspectives and practical guidance for enhancing performance and managing the stress that typically accompanies performance situations. It draws together, for the first time in a single collection, the findings of pioneering initiatives from across the arts and sciences. Specific recommendations are provided alongside comprehensive reviews of existing theory and research, enabling the
practitioner to place the strategies and techniques within the broader context of human performance and encouraging novel ways of conceptualizing music making and teaching.

Part I, Prospects and Limits, sets out ground rules for achieving musical excellence. What roles do…


What Charlie Heard

By Mordicai Gerstein,

Book cover of What Charlie Heard

Lisa Rogers Author Of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage

From the list on music innovators.

Who am I?

Ever since childhood, I’ve wondered about people who led inventive, innovative lives. How did they get their inspiration? Where did their ideas come from? How did they take that inspiration and change the world? I found information, but not the answers I was looking for, at the library. When I became an elementary library teacher, new forms of biographies – beautiful picture book biographies about people of all kinds – became available. My students loved them and so did I, and I became inspired to write for children. I’m excited that my first two picture book biographies, which received starred reviews, are out in the world – with more coming your way!

Lisa's book list on music innovators

Why did Lisa love this book?

I love this energetic book about experimental composer Charles Ives for its liveliness, beautiful language, and glorious sounds! It’s also an important example of staying true to yourself and following your own path.

Before he became a composer, young Charles Ives’s life was full of noise–glorious noise! Influenced by his father, a music educator and bandleader, Ives experimented with sound. Like John Cage, he faced ridicule and criticism, and faced roadblocks to having his music performed.

By Mordicai Gerstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What Charlie Heard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The extraordinary story of the composer Charles Ives.

"Sometimes little Charlie lay in his crib just listening. He heard
his mother’s long dress as she moved around his room. He heard big clocks and little clocks. He heard wagons and horse hooves. He heard dogs and crickets and the church bell next door."

Charlie listened all through his boyhood, and as he grew into a man, he found he wanted to re-create in music the sounds that he heard every day. But others couldn’t hear what Charlie heard. They didn’t hear it as music – only as noise. In this…


Book cover of Music Psychology in Education

Paul Harris Author Of You Can Read Music: The Practical Guide

From the list on musical pedagogy.

Who am I?

Paul Harris is one of the UK’s most influential music educationalists. He studied the clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won the August Manns Prize for outstanding performance in clarinet playing and where he now teaches. He is in great demand as a teacher, composer, and writer (he has written over 600 books); and his inspirational masterclasses and workshops continue to influence thousands of young musicians and teachers all over the world in both the principles and practice of musical performance and education.

Paul's book list on musical pedagogy

Why did Paul love this book?

Whether you’re a learner or a teacher, developing an interest in what goes on behind the scenes will naturally reap many benefits. This fascinating book deals with many issues that need to be considered whether music is a hobby or a profession. Susan considers how music is processed in the brain, what musical ability actually is, the psychological side of learning to play an instrument and sing, what feeds into our motivation, and generally the extraordinary impact that music has on our lives.

By Susan Hallam,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Music Psychology in Education as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The book will be of particular interest to those training to be instrumental and class teachers, and teachers wishing to further their understanding of teaching and learning. It addresses the psychological underpinnings of all elements of music education and provides a short introduction to the field of music psychology.


Chord Chemistry

By Ted Greene,

Book cover of Chord Chemistry

Jerry Jennings Author Of Triad Magic - An Introduction to Guitar Chord Theory

From the list on for musicians, composers, and songwriters.

Who am I?

As a self-taught guitarist at age 18, I was limited to certain styles I could do justice. I began listening to artists that were more schooled, such as Steely Dan, Weather Report, and Yes. I became obsessed with getting the background musical knowledge to expand into these styles. Easier said than done! The difficulty was in blending my “street” knowledge with the more legit “college” knowledge. As I began to write books, I realized my claim to expertise was not that I was overly schooled, but that I was “just like you,” and somehow developed these shortcuts that brought the higher concepts within reach, unifying all musicians.

Jerry's book list on for musicians, composers, and songwriters

Why did Jerry love this book?

I found his book to show a great comparison of chord construction to chemistry. For example, if I asked you for H2O, you could really only give me water. The naming of a molecule tells you all you need to know about what’s in it. In the case of a chord, if I said play me a G13b9, even if you had never played one, you could construct it from the name only, knowing that a letter name followed by an odd number implies dominant, and that in this particular dominant you will be adding two other elements: a 6 and a flat 9. Brilliant!

By Ted Greene,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chord Chemistry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry was originally published in 1971 and has become the classic chord reference book for two generations of guitarists. Whether you are just beginning to search beyond basic barre chords or are already an advanced player looking for new sounds and ideas this is the book that will get you there. Designed to inspire creativity this book is a musical treasure chest filled with exciting new ideas and sounds.


5 book lists we think you will like!

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