Our favorite storybooks and teaching books for general music teachers.
Something we discovered during our first years in the music classroom (and you can probably relate): music teachers teach more than music. They show children how to be patient, mindful, and kind. They work on building confidence and calming anxieties so kids can express emotions and talk about their feelings. Plus, they instill essential life skills, like being organized and planful.
To help stay on top of all the things taught in music classrooms, we’ve created a list of our favorite storybooks and teaching books for general music teachers. Most are books we discovered at music education conferences. Let us know if you have a book that has made a difference in your classroom!
“Singing Waters, Dancing Flames” by Aimee Curtis Pfitzner
This book focuses on the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water. Featuring original songs and new favorites, students can interact with the story using movement props, Orff instruments, games, and songs. Includes printables!
“Singing Fun and Games” by Artie Almeida
Artie Almeida is one of our favorites, and she’s back with 19 new lessons, songs, and games for today’s classroom. Includes active learning activities, manipulatives, and performance and accompaniment mp3s for children of varying abilities.
“My Mouth is a Volcano” by Louis Cook
Oh Louis! He’s always interrupting with rumbles, grumbles, wiggles, and jiggles until he eventually erupts. This story teaches us how to respect others by listening and waiting our turn. It’s a great classroom story that will help students with these essential skills.
“Mindful Music Classroom” by Krista Hart
Boost your students’ self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills with teaching techniques you can weave into your everyday approach. Each skill is connected to common musical scenarios and activities for students in grade 5+.
“Realizing Diversity” by Karen Howard
Design a diverse, inclusive curriculum with confidence! This research-based practical guide explores issues like identity, diversity, justice, and action and helps you create an intentional, welcoming classroom for all.
“Grump Groan Growl” by Bell Hooks
Let’s soothe our bad, grumpy, and wild moods with music. This story pairs rhythmic text with dashes of compassion, liveliness, and humor that will truly connect with your students. It’s great for reinforcing SEL skills.
“Sprouting Joy” by Loren Tarnow
Uplifting, practical, and ready-to-use! These classroom lessons and activities use social emotional learning strategies to teach and reinforce essential soft skills like cooperation, kindness, listening, and taking turns.
“Lessons from the Music Room” by Cheryl Baker
If you’re new to teaching, this book will carry you through those early growing pains. It’s filled with practical tips, insightful ideas, and tools you can immediately use. It’s like sitting down with a mentor teacher who is sharing wisdom, tips, and ideas.
“Let’s Make a New Friend” by Patrick Ware
This collection of original compositions encourages musical exploration through creative movement and vocal exploration – all while practicing percussion and Orff skills. Perfect for pre-k – second grade, Ware’s methods make Orff lessons more approachable and engaging for the youngest learners.
“Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion” by Shannon Stocker
This inspiring picture book tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, the first full-time solo percussionist in the world who also happens to be deaf. Children will connect with Glennie’s resilience, creativity, and determination and learn how sounds can be felt through vibrations. It also reminds us that music is for everyone, because we can all participate in our own way.
“Creative Activities for Teaching General Music” by Victoria Boler
Spice up your current curriculum with these fresh ideas, songs, and lessons for beginning to upper elementary students. With 15 songs and lessons on improvisation, arranging, composition, and SEL skills in video, audio, and PDF formats, you’ll find yourself continually reaching for this book. It’s a great resource for last-minute ideas and substitute teachers.
“Social Emotional Learning for the Pre-Service and In-Service Music Teacher” by Scott N. Edgar and Michelle S. McConkey
Before you can care for your students, you must care of yourself. Ideal for new teachers, you’ll discover ways to nurture your personal well-being using thought-provoking exercises like reflection, journaling, and drawing. Learning how to better regulate emotions, resolve conflict, manage stress, and build positive relationships will give you the emotional foundation to help your students thrive.
“Waltzing Matilda” by John M. Feierabend
Travel across the Australian countryside as you sing, dance, and play along with this beloved Aussie folk song. Filled with engaging illustrations, this new book from the “First Steps in Music Song Tale” series brings the story to life and pulls children into the adventure. Includes an mp3 download of the song.
