Black Composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
This Ultimate Free Guide to black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor for babies is part of a series of posts about BIPOC composers. These posts are called “ultimate guide” because you are a busy parent. You don’t have time for Music History 101! But, you may be curious about some of that beautiful classical music you may hear.
The goal of these posts is to make BIPOC composers and their music as well-known. They deserve to be as well-known as the composers who have always dominated our music scene.
The best way to do that is to introduce their music to the youngest of listeners: babies. Your baby can grow up listening to the music of BIPOC composers AND the traditional list of composers.
About the Ultimate Free Guide Black Composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
First, there will be a short bio of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s life. I do promise short! Date of birth, date of death, and only the MOST important events in his life.
Next, is a suggested listening piece by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Again, there will only be one piece of music to keep this activity simple.
Then, you can use it as a springboard for finding more music by Coleridge-Taylor and other BIPOC composers.
Finally, there will be a suggestion for a book to read about the composer. If there is not one available, another related title will be a substituted.
How to Use the Ultimate Free Guide
Once again, the goal of this Guide to Composers activity is to keep it short and simple. You can begin fairly quickly to listen to the suggested music piece.
Use the link to the music if it is given. You can also download the music from iTunes, Amazon, or listen on your favorite app.
The book may be available at your library. You can always order from Amazon. Often the story may have a YouTube video link.
There may also be a link to a website offering the book. You will have several choices.
The research shows that music and reading are so vital to the growth of your baby’s brain. They also have have other tremendous affects on baby’s life as they grow.
So, now you and your baby can start the activities the Ultimate Free Guide to Black Composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Black Composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Quick Facts
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
- Born August 15, 1875 in London, England
- Learned to play the violin from his grandfather when he was very young
- Developed an ability to play violin well
- At age 15, studied composing and conducting at the Royal College of Music
- Became a professional musician
- Is best known for his composition Song of Hiawatha based on the epic poem of the same name by American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- Song of Hiawatha was so popular in England that it was performed annually until 1939
- Wrote music for piano, violin, small ensembles, orchestras, and choirs
- Was greatly admired by African Americans
- Toured the U.S. three times as a performer and conductor
- Was invited to the White House by the President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. This was a rare occasion for a person of African descent in those days, but a step forward for composers of color
- Died September 1, 1912 at the age of 37 from pneumonia
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Music
There were many choices for an example of Coleridge-Taylor’s music. His Song of Hiawatha was mentioned previously.
But, it is a huge work for orchestra and chorus. You can save that for later when your baby is much older.
Instead, Coleridge-Taylor’s other most well-known work is Deep River. He originally wrote it for piano.
But, it has also been arranged as a violin solo. Recently, cellist Sheku Kenneh-Mason (of the 2018 Royal wedding fame) has arranged it for piano, violin, and cello.
This is a lovely calming piece of music. It will be perfect for you and your baby to listen to before nap or bed time. Search: Kenneh-Mason Trio-Deep River to listen on YouTube.
Listen to it often. Babies thrive on repetition. Use it frequently before nap or bed. It can become part of the “falling asleep” routine.
Ultimate Free Guide to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor “Bonus Activity”
For this activity you will need:
- You, your child, and a recording of Forest Scenes, I. The Lone Forest Maiden by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor https://youtu.be/C-_-flAR_5Y. You will only need to listen to the first four minutes of music from the video for the activity.
- While listening to the music, begin moving to the beat. Change your movements with the speed and loudness of the piece.
- For instance, if the music is a medium speed and loudness, you can walk around at a moderate speed.
- However, if the music becomes soft and faster, you can tiptoe quickly.
- If the music is louder and slower, you could march or stomp more slowly.
- The idea is to help your baby begin to feel the changing motion of the different steps. They will also learn about loud and soft.
- As always, the best part of the activity is that you and your baby are doing something together. You are building a deeper relationship.
Reading About Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Most children’s books about composers are typically written for a third grade reading level or higher. I am always looking for board book about composers specifically written for babies.
There are some out there. Unfortunately, no one has written and published any about BIPOC composers.
There is one publisher, JamJam Books that specifically writes about composers for babies. Check out their website for more information.
There is no board book about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. So, I have substituted another in its place.
I think you will enjoy this board book about black musician Ella Fitzgerald. The Little People, Big Dreamer series is a collection of 60+ board books about famous people when they were children.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Ella Fitzgerald both experienced discrimination in the music world, and otherwise, because of the color of their skin.
When your child is still a baby is the time to read these stories to them. Now is the time to teach them to accept EVERYONE regardless of their skin color.
I hope you enjoy reading about Ella Fitzgerald.
Ella Fitzgerald: My First Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, Big Dreamers)
“Ability can be developed in a child of any race. In the future, there will come a time when man will not ask what race a child is, but will think of humanity as a whole.”
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Enjoying the Ultimate Free Guide to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
I do hope you enjoy this Ultimate Free Guide to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. It can help you bring the joy of his music into your home.
Play the recording of Deep River often every day. Read Ella Fitzgerald: My First Ella Fitzgerald every day as well.
Keep the few biographical facts you have learned about Coleridge-Taylor in the back of your mind. Then, when your child is old enough to understand, you can share the information with them.
They will already be familiar with Coleridge-Taylor’s music and life. You can then read and explore more about his life as they grow.
Help your child to learn to enjoy the music of all kinds of composers. That is one of my goals as a Suzuki Early Childhood Education Baby Class teacher.
You and your baby learn important life skills as well as musical skills. Most importantly, you and your baby can develop a deeper relationship with each other.
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
Comment and Share
In the Comments below, share if you found any other music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor that you are enjoying.
“Your Musical Baby” would love it if you would LIKE us and SHARE with your friends on Facebook & Instagram!
