Learn About Beethoven
This “Ultimate Free Guide to Beethoven for Your Baby” is the next post in a series about composers. It is very appropriate because, on December 16, we celebrated Beethoven’s 250th birthday!
This series of posts began with Mozart. He was the obvious choice because his Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is the first piece that that babies listen to in the Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) Baby Class.
Next, we learned about Tchaikovsky. His The Nutcracker ballet music is probably his most famous work.
In the future , we will explore more composers’ music. We will especially learn about the composers’ music found in the Suzuki repertoire.
Why Are These Guides Called “Ultimate”?
These posts are called “ultimate guide” because you are busy parents. You don’t have time for Music History 101! but, you may be curious about who wrote some of that beautiful classical music we talk about.
So, each post in the series will introduce a different composer that you should know. Next, there will be a listening recommendation for the composer’s compositions. Then, there will be a suggested book about the composer.
Goals of the Ultimate Free Guide to Composers
The main goal for this Ultimate Free Guide to Composers is to keep it short and simple. Firstly, the guides will begin with a brief biography of the composer.
I promise it will be short: when the composer was born, the MOST important things about his/her life, and when they died.
Next, there is a recommendation for only one of the composer’s compositions. Again, this is an effort to keep this activity short. Then, you can use it as a springboard for finding more music by the same composer.
Finally, there will be a suggestion for a book to read about the composer. There will be a substitute title from the SECE book list if there is not one available.
How to Use the Ultimate Free Guide to Composers
Once again, the goal for this Guide to Composers activity is to keep it short and simple. You can begin fairly quickly. The bio of the composer will be in the post itself. You can read that information to find out about the composer and when they lived
Next, the music selection may be included as a link in the post. It can also be downloaded from Amazon, iTunes, etc. That way, you and your baby can start listening to the music right away.
There are a variety of ways to get the suggested book. It may be available at your library. The book most likely is on Amazon. Often, you will find a link to a website that sells the book.
In this time of pandemic, I would suggest buying it at your local bookstore, if possible. They can really use your support right now.
Yes, there is some expense involved. However, please think of these purchases as part of your baby’s education. You will be nurturing your baby’s heart and mind as well as your own.
The research shows that music and reading are so vital to the growth of your baby’s brain. They also have other tremendous effects on baby’s life as they grow.
So, now you can start the activities in this “Ultimate Free Guide to Beethoven for Your Baby”.
Ludwig van Beethoven-Quick Composer Facts
- Born December 16, 1770 in Bonn, Germany
- Began piano lessons at age 4 and learned to play other instruments as well; his father hoped to present him as a child performer, but it was not a successful experience
- Did become a very good musician and, consequently, was able to help support his family playing in an orchestra, playing the organ, and teaching piano lessons
- In 1792, Beethoven went to Vienna, Austria to study with composer, Franz Josef Haydn
- He began composing and performing as a concert pianist
- Was the first composer to make a living through wealthy patrons who supported him. Until then, composers were either employed by the church or by nobility and royalty
- Composed 9 symphonies, piano sonatas, piano trios, string quartets, and other orchestral, vocal solos, and choral works
- He began going deaf around 1815, but continued to compose and produce many more great works
- Died on March 26, 1827 in Vienna, Austria
Beethoven’s Music
Beethoven wrote an incredible amount of music. Much of it pushed the limits of music composition at the time.
He began composing near the end of the Classical Era of music. However, his music is considered a bridge to the Romantic Era of music.
Beethoven’s compositions had elements of Classical music. But, he was also exploring new ways to write for the instruments. So much so, that the musicians often complained that his works were unplayable.
I chose as the one listening piece for you and your baby, Beethoven’s Minuet in G Major for piano. It was written in 1796 and is an example of his early compositions.
Minuet is about 3 minutes long. It would be appropriate for preparing for nap time or any time, really.
Remember, baby benefits from repeated listening. They also do not tire of repetition the way adults do. Use this link to listen to Beethoven’s Minuet in G Major.
Ultimate Free Guide to Beethoven “Bonus Activity”
For this activity you will need:
- 1 or 2 very lightweight scarves
- enough room to dance around with your baby or toddler
- recording of Beethoven Minuet in G Major
Start the music! As you hold your little one, dance around and wave the scarf to the music. If your child is a toddler, they may have their own scarf and dance.
Now, if you have to, step out of your comfort zone. Try to really move around. Be free and expressive.
Your baby will really tune in to your movement. They will “catch” your joy in the music. Plus, you can call it your aerobic workout for the day!
As your child begins to do this activity on their own, they will be developing valuable motor skills. Together, you and your baby will develop musical skills, listening skills, and strengthen the bond between you.
All these things are happening in one simple activity. the best part is that it is enjoyable and only takes a few minutes.
Read About Beethoven
Most children’s books about composers are typically written for third grade reading level or higher. But , I have been searching out board books about composers specifically written for babies.
There are a few out there. Then, I discovered the JamJam Books website. Believe it or not, they specifically write and publish board books for babies about composers and music!
For the book selection in this guide, I chose My First Beethoven. It tells a short story about Beethoven and the instruments in the orchestra.
You and your little one will enjoy the delightful illustration in this book. Also, each musical clip in the book is 20-40 seconds long. This is just right for baby’s attention span.
The incredible part is that the publishers have licensed the musical clips from major orchestras around the world. Therefore, the sound quality is far better than the typical synthesizer/midi audio of many “sound ” books.
Check out JamJam Books. Have a look at their selections. Order My First Beethoven to begin or add to you baby’s library of books about composers and music.
Enjoying the Ultimate Free Guide to Beethoven
I sincerely hope that this Ultimate Free Guide to Beethoven will help you bring the joy of Beethoven’s music into your home. Play Minuet in G for your baby many times everyday. Read My First Beethoven as well.
Keep these few biographical facts you learned about Beethoven in the back of your mind. Then when your child is old thought to understand, you can share that information with them.
They will already be very familiar with Beethoven’s music and life. You can then read and explore more about his life as they grow.
If you and your baby liked the Beethoven “Bonus Activity”, you may be interested in finding a Suzuki ECE Baby Class in your area.
The Baby Class involves similar types of activities. Parents and their babies will also learn more about musical concepts, literacy, and life skills.
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
Comments and Share
If you have questions, comments, or would like to share if you didi the Beethoven “Bonus Activity”, put them in the Comments below. I would love to know if you and your baby enjoyed the activity!
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