My Latest Songbook Collection is Here!

by | Listen & Learn Music

Ring, Sing, Strum & Drum Songbook Collection | Instrument Songs for Children

I am so happy to announce that as of today, my new songbook collection — Ring, Sing, Strum & Drum! — is available in its entirety. I have been working SO hard over the last couple of months writing and recording 12 brand-new songs that I think you will love and be able to use with your children, students, and/or clients.

Ring, Sing, Strum & Drum! is a digitally downloaded songbook collection containing 12 never-before released Listen & Learn songs for playing instruments — including rhythm sticks, hand bells, cabasa, castanets, kazoos and more. Not only does the PDF songbook provide the notated melody line, chords and lyrics, but you also receive full and instrumental mp3s for all 12 songs:

“Sh-Sh-Sh-Shake”
“Rhythm Sticks Mix”
“Ring Around the Rainbow”
“Hum a Tune”
“Gather ‘Round the Drum”
“Strum With Your Fingers & Thumb”
“Click Like This, Clack Like That”
“Cabasa Bossa Nova”
“Jingle Jamboree”
“Rainstick Round”
“Lollipop Start & Stop”
“Tam Tam Boo”

Purchasing the lead sheet and mp3s for each individual song would cost you $3 a pop; multiply that by 12 songs and you’re out $36. But since I’m all about sharing the love, I’ve priced Ring, Sing, Strum & Drum! at a mere $12.

With just under a month remaining in the school year, it’s right about this time that your repertoire needs a boost — if you’re anything like me, that is. Whether you work as a music therapist in the classroom or one-on-one setting or you are a music educator, my newest creation might be just the boost you need.

Check it out!

 
(And for even more instrument songs for children, you should take a look at my best-selling songbook collection, Tapping, Shaking, Music Making!)

I Have a Balloon Ball

by | Listen & Learn Music

I’m pretty sure I’ve reached “fangirl” status when it comes to Bear Paw Creek‘s movement props. This is the 4th song I’ve written specifically for one of their products, because they are SO perfect for my early childhood music classes.

I’m just now getting around to using the balloon ball in my upcoming session, so I’m really excited to see how my little ones will react to it. I think it will be right up their alley — a bright, lightweight “ball” (the balloon inside gives creates its round form) they can toss and roll to each other.

Just like all of Bear Paw Creek’s products, it’s made (in the U.S.) of colorful, high-quality material. My other favorites include stretchy bands, connect-a-bands, and bean bags.

I wanted to make sure this song and activity is as social as it is fun, so I’ll have each kiddo takes turns rolling or tossing the balloon ball to another member of the circle. There are already lots of other ideas floating around in my head for how to incorporate it, but this is a good jumping off point. I can’t wait to put the balloon ball and this song to use in my classes this week!

P.S. Did you know that you can receive a DOWNLOAD of each new Listen & Learn release (including mp3, lyrics/chords, and instrumental track when available) emailed directly to your inbox?

That — PLUS access to the blog archive containing over 150 other songs, lead sheets, visual aides, and valuable resources. Learn more about becoming a Listen & Learn Plus! member.

Week of the Young Child

by | Professional Development

Week of the Young Child & Music Therapy

This is a good name for all 52 of ’em in my calendar, between my work and little one at home. But each year in April, a week is devoted especially to celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families.

“Week of the Young Child” is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and I’m excited to take part in the fun yet again this year.

Week of the Young Child

Last year I visited several early childhood centers and made music with the kiddos in celebration of this special week. This year is EXTRA special, because one of my visits will be to my son Parker’s school!

That’s happening today, and then I have musical appearances scheduled for almost every other day this week. I’m also celebrating by kicking off the last session of my early childhood music class before maternity leave (bittersweet!) as well as the spring session of the early childhood class I lead at my church. A super busy but fun few days ahead!

I Love You From Your Toes to Your Nose

by | Listen & Learn Music

Bonding songs are essential to my early childhood classes, because they foster parent-child interaction and help us wind down toward the end of the session. I wrote this one specifically for my baby (0-18 month) class, though I have most definitely used it with kiddos who are a little older.

Not only does this song encourage directed touch, but it also serves as an introduction to body part identification. I know that my little guy, who will be 2 in June, absolutely loves pointing out his eyes, ears, mouth, nose, fingers, knees, and toes. The song starts with the basics, but of course could be adapted to include other body parts as well.

It’s never too early to start singing songs like these with your children. My son had no choice but to listen to my singing pretty much from the day he was born, and my daughter (coming next month!) will no doubt have that same experience :)

You can find even more bonding songs like this one over at Listen & Learn for Leaders, the early childhood resource created by myself and my partner Katey.

P.S. Did you know that you can gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music?

Learn more about Listen & Learn Plus

We’re Gonna Wave

by | Listen & Learn Music

We're Gonna Wave Album Cover

I’m really lucky that my colleague Katey is crafty, because when it comes to anything involving sewing, I certainly am not. She volunteered to make ribbon streamers for the most recent session of our early childhood classes, and I did my part by coming up with a song for them.

This is a simple song with a repetitive, familiar melody, because the focus is on movement and following directions. Each verse features a different way to manipulate the streamers, and it is so much fun to see our kiddos get creative with their interpretation of each. They also help come up with additional movements.

The streamers that Katey created are perfect for the 0-3 crowd, because they are attached to loose fabric-covered elastics that can be worn around the children’s wrists. While the older kids like to see how many they can pile on to each arm, the tiny ones can participate without having to actually grasp and hold onto the streamers.

Here’s a photo of Katey’s creations, pictured with one of our monkey friends (which we use for this song) from class.

Colorful Ribbon Streamers for Music Class

Of course, the streamers can be substituted for fabric scarves or other props you already have on hand. I simply change the words when I use this song with scarves or ribbon rings in other settings.
P.S. Did you know that you can gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music?

Learn more about Listen & Learn Plus