Quick Announcement and A Favor
Hi Friends,
I’m so excited because I’m almost ready to release my first curriculum set! It contains lessons for teaching 20th Century American Music Appreciation that any mom or teacher, regardless of musical knowledge, can teach, and it’s for grades K through 12!
Find the Curriculum here!
Here is my favor. I don’t want to miss anything. So, could you please leave a comment below letting me know what composer, piece, and/or style I should be sure to include?
20th Century, American. Go!
Thanks for your help!
–Gena
Gena, I don’t mean to sound rigid here, but I say your project can not possibly be complete without Aaron Copeland! 🙂 Oh, Rodeo! Oh, Appalachian Spring! Oh, Fanfare for the Common Man! Love. Him. (Obviously.) His music is fun and accessible. And those “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” commercials from the 90s? Yeah, that’s his stuff in the background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tviyAIS9c_U
P.S. You could also throw in some Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. 🙂
Elizabeth, you are totally right! Those are essential, and are all included. I love Copland’s music, too. 🙂
–Gena
Wow Congrats Gena; That is a great job you are doing. Unfortunately for me, i am clueless about music compositions like the ones Elizabeth mentions above. But my prayers are with you. And you know what? You are doing great taking care of 8 children..
Thanks for commenting, Matilda! It’s my hope that the ebook will bring this wonderful music to many people who have never heard it before.
–Gena
Did you include Barber’s violin concerto? This music is gorgeous.
I have Barber on the “further study” page. I’ll include a link to the violin concerto. Thanks!
–Gena
Rachmaninoff: Theme on Paganini and the Rach 3. The Rach 3 is always interesting for kids because so many pianists go a little crazy trying to play it. 🙂 Congrats on this great accomplishment!
I love Rachmaninoff. His music is gorgeous! He will most definitely be included in my next volume, the one on European and South American composers.
as musically-challenged as i am – you can’t ever go wrong with Beethoven 😀
So true. Beethoven is a master. He will be included in my version on Romantic era composers. 🙂
I am going to be one of those moms needing the curriculum because I could never put it together on my own. I’m clueless. Thanks for preparing this and Congrats!
Thanks, Amy. I hope it helps lots of moms and teachers!
–Gena
This sounds amazing! I love music, and I can’t wait to see this. Are you going to include play/musical types as well, or strictly classical?
Either way I can’t wait for this!
Marissa
Thanks, Marissa! Yes, I have included much more than just classical music– such as jazz, musicals, and rock and roll.
–Gena
my only suggestion/concern would be for ensuring you’re inclusive within each kind of music. this seems like a really neat curriculum and it would help me since it’s an area i would struggle with. it would be important to me that my daughter learned about people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. hope that helps.
Hi Jeani, thanks for your suggestion! I believed I have done that. 🙂
–Gena
Gosh, I wish I remembered more about the composers and work we used while I was in band in high school. Sorry I can’t help but I’m sure this is going to be one homerun of a curriculum!
Jelli, thank you for your kind comment!
–Gena
Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. Unfortunately my knowledge of music is severely limited. I couldn’t begin to tell you what composers to add.
No problem, Mary. Thanks for the comment!
–Gena
This is something I need. I’m so bad with music. Yes I’m tone deaf. I really look forward to checking this out.
I don’t know what era Palchelbel is from but Canon in D is one of the most beautiful pieces of music in existence. Congratulations on your achievement!
He’s much earlier than 20th century. 🙂 I will definitely be including him in an earlier volume.
–Gena
That’s fantastic! Way to go! This is a great opportunity for you.
wow – very cool and exciting for you! any of the classics I would suggest.
omg I wish I could help, but I am clueless on this topic!
Congrats Gena. What an accomplishment. I wish you the best.
Thanks, Gina!