New year, new books!
Whether you are looking for some new virtual solutions, need some inspiration for your lesson plans, or just want something new, we’ve got you covered! This list of our favorite new books and resources for 2021 includes children’s books, curriculum guides, virtual resources, and more!
Psst – Just for fun, we’ve even included a fun playlist that coordinates with the books in the list! Enjoy.
Full STEAM Ahead
STEAM belongs in the music room! This book filled with tools, ideas, and activities is a great resource to turn your music classroom into a maker space full of imagination and creativity. Full STEAM Ahead is a great tool to take concepts you already teach – rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, and form – and incorporate STEAM concepts and tools.
Book Time Bonanza
We love using picture books in the music room! Katie Grace Miller, author of Awesome Books with Musical Hooks, has put together another fantastic collection of lessons to use with children’s books. From dynamics with Kindergarteners to tricky rhythms with 5th graders, any teacher will find a treasure trove of ideas to use for years to come.
Windstar 3
The long-awaited WindStars 3 is here! The WindStars book series is designed to be used with Nuvo instruments for students as young as five. WindStars 3 focuses on the pre-band ensemble, including duets, trios, and quartets. These books also include supplemental tunes and backing tracks through the WindStars website.
Recorder Boot Camp
Are you looking for a new beginner recorder book? Recorder Boot Camp by Ashleigh Lore helps students develop the basics in an encouraging and sequential way. This book features a variety of genres and emulates the popular music students hear all around them. Use it as a supplement to your current curriculum or all by itself! Includes major and minor keys, duple and triple meter, and establishes the foundational notes of B, A, G, and E.
The Swapping Song
The Swapping Song is the latest addition to John Feierabend’s Songtale collection. The tune has been known by many names throughout history but originated from an old English nursery rhyme. This version tells a story of trading toys between friends, from baseball cards to marbles. Like all books in the Songtale series, The Swapping Song includes a description of the song’s history, notation, and a free MP3 download.
Edward’s Rhythm Sticks
Edward’s Rhythm Sticks is a beautiful new book by Franklin Willis. Edward is a young boy that loves music and takes his rhythm sticks with him everywhere! The book is excellent for teaching rhythm, pattern, and sequence and tells a heartwarming story of friends, family, and community. You will want to use this story for years to come.
Wild Symphony
If you are a fan of Carnival of the Animals, you will love Wild Symphony! This collection of poems set to music is great for the classroom or at home! Each animal has its own beautifully illustrated page and a song played by a full orchestra. Use the smartphone app to scan the pages or play the tunes from the dedicated Spotify playlist. The songs are great for movement exploration, listening activities, and more!
Dance Like a Butterfly
The rich musical traditions and cultures of four West African countries are about to come to life in your classroom. This collection of pedagogical strategies co-authored by Kwasi Dunyo and Karen Howard takes a deep dive into each country’s history, people, languages, and traditions. Dance Like a Butterfly will help you approach West African music thoughtfully and with authenticity. Supplemental online resources like PowerPoint slides, recordings, and pronunciation guides will empower you to bring West African music to your classroom with a new and exciting lens.
Two Little Blackbirds
Let’s get moving! The newest collection of activities from the New England Dancing Masters is designed for in-person or virtual dancing. These songs, dances, fingerplays, and activities are rooted in timeless folk traditions, but with a digital makeover including MP3 downloads and video streams for easy teaching. Use it as a companion piece to I’m Growing Up or on its own to add some new movement routines to your lessons.
Essential Elements Music Class Interactive
Whether you are looking for a new solution to virtual learning or need additional digital resources, Essential Elements Music Class Interactive is a great solution. This online curriculum is a subscription service that includes hundreds of songs, videos, digital books, and interactive resources. The interactive resources are engaging for students. The ever-growing collection of lessons and activities gives teachers plenty of new ideas to implement in the virtual or in-person classroom.
Music-Go-Round
Get your rainy day and subfolder ready because Music-Go-Round is about to be your new favorite resource for musical worksheets! This 104-page resource includes coloring pages, puzzles, word searches, mazes, and more! These worksheets are ideal for extra-credit assignments, substitute teachers, lesson extensions, and more. Online access is included for easy printing and sharing.
Jessica Palmer is our Education Consultant for Music and Books. She has been teaching preschool and elementary music programs for several years, most recently in a general music classroom in Iowa. She is an active musical director for community theater working with both children and adults. At West Music, Jessica enjoys finding new ways to use storybooks in the classroom and helping teachers find the perfect resources to add to their curriculum.
