The Classical Kids LIVE! Theatrical Symphony Concert Series has collaborated with hundreds of distinguished orchestras presenting over a thousand performances to bring to life Susan Hammond’s best-selling audio stories for student and family audiences. Over two million children and adults throughout North America and abroad have enjoyed these magically staged concerts designed to bring to life the extraordinary lives and the musical masterpieces of the great classical composers. Having received more awards and honors than any other entity of its kind, Classical Kids is considered a leader in its field and proud to say, “We’re making a difference!”
Audiences are captivated by more than twenty-five excerpts of the master’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life. Presenting history, drama, music and fun, this engaging concert is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. The performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.
Our season repertoire includes theatrically staged adaptations of Tchaikovsky Discovers America and Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery as well as dramatic presentations of the Emmy award winning Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage, and our newest production Gershwin’s Magic Key. Or create your own Classical Kids production with the NEW Christmas on Main Street or Hallelujah Handel orchestra rental.
With over 1,000 professional symphonic venue performances throughout North America and abroad, the Classical Kids concerts continue to garner critical and commercial acclaim the world over. The Chicago Sun Times declared Classical Kids “A Phenomenal Hit!” and the Washington Times said Classical Kids presents “A Great, Fantastic, Wonderful Show!”
Sold-out performances are common and include acclaimed productions with the Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Kennedy Center’s National Symphony, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and in China at the Beijing Music Festival with The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
When you book a Classical Kids concert, you get more than just a one-time show. You get brand name recognition of nearly 5 million CDs, videos, books, and teacher’s guides sold around the world. Enhance your outreach programs with Classical Kids educational resources including the new Teaching Edition.
Artistic and production creation costs for mounting professionally-produced family and educational concerts can reach tens of thousands of dollars – $40,000, as reported by the Los Angeles Philharmonic – and can take months of time-consuming preparation. Likewise, creating and producing our high quality productions fall into these cost and time categories. However, by utilizing our touring repertoire, orchestra organizations gain the ability to present finely polished, high-caliber productions at reasonable costs and with little effort.
As a not-for-profit organization, we will work to ensure that orchestras of all sizes and budgets are able to share Classical Kids with their school and family audiences. Please contact us for more information about costs and how we can help you make a Classical Kids performance a reality including a possible self-produced licensing option if your orchestra qualifies.
You have the opportunity to enhance your outreach programs with Classical Kids educational resources, raise your concert revenue by selling Classical Kids merchandise, or increase your ticket sales with free promotional support. All are offered through The Children’s Group – North America’s premier marketing company of classical music entertainment for children.
The world famous production of Beethoven Lives Upstairs features a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle. Their subject is the “madman” who has moved into the upstairs apartment of Christoph’s Vienna home. Through a touching correspondence dramatically underscored with the composer’s most beautiful excerpts, the young boy slowly comes to understand the genius of the man, the torment of his deafness and the beauty of his music.
Audiences are captivated by more than twenty-five excerpts of the master’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life. Presenting history, drama, music and fun, this engaging concert is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. The performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.
String count 6.6.5.4.3
2.2.2.2—2.2.2.0—tmp—2per—pf—str
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we will ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
A Conductor Score and Musician’s Parts are supplied at least 3 weeks prior to the performance. Included in the shipment are 43 books plus 1 conductor score and 1 reference script.
Reference Script
Conductor’s Score
Violin I (6 stands)
Violin II (6 stands)
Viola (5 stands)
Cello (4 stands)
Bass (3 stands)
Flute I & II/ [Piccolo] (1 stand each)
Oboe I & II 1 (1 stand each)
Clarinet I & II (1 stand each)
Bassoon I & II (1 stand each)
Horn I & II (1 stand each)
Trumpet I & II (1 stand each)
Trombone I & II (1 stand each)
Percussion (2 stands + 1 extra book)
Timpani (1 stand)
Piano (1 stand)
This production requires featured instrumentalists. The performance assumes a seamless performance, largely unbroken by applause or “soloist” appearances; therefore, we suggest that these players come from within the orchestra:
Romance for Violin and Orchestra in G Major
Spring Sonata
Piano Concerto No. 1
Piano Concerto No. 5
(see excerpt list for sonatas)
The pieces included in the performance are well studied by most musicians. Orchestras who have not performed Symphonies Nos. 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9 or Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 5 are encouraged to hold rehearsals on their own in advance of the scheduled rehearsal
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Endorsed by the Gershwin Family Interests, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, and having triumphantly premiered with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Gershwin’s Magic Key is the first-ever educationally-entertaining theatrical symphony concert exposing children and their parents to the extraordinary life and musical masterpieces of one of the greatest American composers of all time!
Classical Kids LIVE! presents this fully directed and produced theatrical production with full symphony orchestra and includes a featured pianist, 2 professional actors and an onsite director. The production also includes full score and all musician parts, period costumes, props, lighting & sound coordination.
The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life. Presenting history, drama, music and fun, this engaging concert is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. The performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.
Extra, extra! Read all about it! Step into the 1920s’ streets of New York, where a poor newspaper boy has a chance encounter with the famous composer George Gershwin. Together, they explore the many sights and sounds of the city. Gershwin shares anecdotes about his life and musical passion and soon learns the Kid has musical talent, too… but can the boy find the magic key to unlock it?
The orchestra magically weaves Gershwin’s greatest hits into the drama as the master composer shares historical information and musical inspiration. A bonding friendship develops as they explore the vast melting pot of American music and discover the key to unlocking the boy’s own musical potential.
Family and student audiences will be captivated by over twenty of Gershwin’s most popular compositions from classical compositions including Porgy & Bess, American in Paris, Cuban Overture, Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue to popular hits from the American Songbook including I Got Rhythm, Swanee, Stairway to Paradise, Someone to Watch Over Me, and Fascinating Rhythm.
The instrumentation represents a maximum orchestra of 52 musicians in order to realize the full musical integrity of the excerpts listed above. Though we supply a set number of parts, we defer to each individual orchestra to reduce or increase proportionately according to organizational requirements. If increasing, we’re happy to supply PDFs for you to print extra copies.
A Conductor’s Book, complete with full-score and dialogue cues, along with a reference script is sent at least three weeks in advance of the concert along with all stand parts (bound books) satisfying the following instrumentation.
String Count (number of players): 8.6.5.4.3 (stands = 4.3.3.2.2) [may increase/decrease proportionately]
2[2/pic], 2[2/eh], 3[3/bcl], 2[2/cbn], 2asax[2/brsax], 1tsax/3331/timp+2/str
pf – provided by Classical Kids
Player breakdown in detail:
Solo Piano (featured Gershwin pianist provided by Classical Kids)
[NOTE: Pianist plays on 18 of the 23 excerpts above.]
12 woodwinds: 2 flutes (2.pic), 2 oboes (2.eh), 3 clarinets (3.bcl), 2 bassoons (2.cbn), 2 alto saxophones (2.brsax), tenor saxophone;
10 brass: 3 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba;
Timpani & 2 percussion: Crash cymbals, Drum Set (S.D., B.D., Toms, Cymbals), Gong, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Chimes, Sus. Cymbals, Crash Cymbals, Woodblock, Temple Blocks, Triangle, Taxi Horns, Maracas, Bongos, Claves, Snare drum, Bass drum;
26 strings: 8 first violins, 6 second violins, 5 violas, 4 cellos, 3 double basses. (may increase/decrease proportionately)
Click here to download a one-page PDF with information on Gershwin’s Magic Key.
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
This popular adaption of two Classical Kids stories features Mozart’s young son, Karl, who longs to be taken from his boarding school to spend more time with his famous father. An old travelling trunk serves as a magic chest that reveals an incredible journey back in time to Mozart’s childhood and into the fantastic world of Mozart’s great opera The Magic Flute. Along the way, Karl comes to understand Mozart’s extraordinary life as a travelling prodigy, his pressures from family and fame, his passion for composing, and the common bonds they both share.
Audiences will enjoy twenty three excerpts of the master’s music, including themes from Mozart’s operas The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, popular excerpts from The Magic Flute, and some of his most important and engaging works such as Ave Verum, Symphony No. 1, Clarinet Quintet, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer’s life. This mesmerizing concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. This program is recommended for audiences age six and up.
Mozart’s young son, Karl, feels isolated and neglected from his experiences at boarding school. Wolfgang is experiencing his own pressures from family and fame. Their struggles act as a catalyst for sharing adventure and understanding as they discover the common bonds they both share. Watch this story come to life as Karl and his father relive young Wolfgang’s meeting of the Queen of England and the Pope in Rome. From the Sistine Chapel to Carnivale there is much to learn much about the young prodigy’s extraordinary life.
But that’s not all! Discover the great master’s passion for composing as they embark on a magic journey into the world of The Magic Flute. Follow the Prince and Papageno as they try to rescue Princess Pamina from the Queen of the Night in Sarastro’s enchanted castle. And see Karl’s wish come true as his father takes him to a performance of the Magic Flute. This true father-son event confirms for Karl that he is well loved and that, although history will mark an early death for his father just two months later, he will always have him by his side through his timeless music. The original audio recordings of Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage and Mozart’s Magic Fantasy claim many top music, educational, and parenting awards. Based on these highly acclaimed and award-winning recordings, this theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a live performance venue.
String count 6.6.4.3.2
2.2.2.2—2.2.3.0—tmp—pf+cel/synth*—str
*cel OR synth is listed only to cover the glockenspiel part in Magic Flute, Allegro/’Was Klinget’. An actual glockenspiel may be used.
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we sill ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
A conductor’s score, complete with full score and dialogue cues, musician parts, and a reference script is sent at least 3 weeks in advance of the concert.
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
“I saw his ship sail into New York Harbor that day in 1891 – past the Statue of Liberty, past the hundreds of people cheering on the shore. All America seemed to be waiting for him and his music…”
Based on the actual historical event, this story tells of the great composer’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891 and his famous trip to Niagara Falls. A surprise encounter with a young American girl, Jennie, reveals much about Tchaikovsky – his life in Russia, his love of music and his fears of conducting. This is a poignant story of the meeting of old world influences and new world experiences; a tale of contrast, courage and classical music.
Audiences will enjoy more than twenty-five excerpts of the composer’s music including passages from his three famous ballets – The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake -The 1812 Overture, First Piano Concerto and String Serenade. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer’s life and dance story passages from his famous ballets. This delightful concert, dance and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. This program is recommended for audiences age six and up.
The story begins at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky is attending the last orchestral rehearsal before the grand opening. But construction noise makes it impossible to rehearse and Tchaikovsky finds himself on the street hounded by reporters. He escapes on a train to Niagara Falls where he meets Jennie, a young American girl, who dreams of becoming a ballerina. During their train ride they discover much about each other – their joys and fears – and the healing influences they impart.
As Tchaikovsky and Jennie approach Niagara Falls, Tchaikovsky describes what he’s discovered in America, “There’s an electric energy in this country… all these people, so generous and open-hearted… their ideas, their dreams, their music… all flowing together like a mighty river – everything tumbling toward the future!”
The original audio recording of Tchaikovsky Discovers America claims dozens of top music, educational, and parenting awards. Based on this highly acclaimed recording, the Tchaikovsky Discovers America theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky in a live performance venue.
String count 8.8.7.6.5
3d1.2+1.2+1.2—4.4.2+1.1—3per—tmp—hp—pf+cel—str
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we sill ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
A conductor’s score, complete with full score and dialogue cues, musician parts, and a reference script is sent at least 3 weeks in advance of the concert.
This performances assumes a seamless performance, largely unbroken by applause or “soloist” appearances. It requires a large Tchaikovsky orchestra, necessary for the ending of the 1812 Overture and Swan Lake Overture to Act II.
Note that a pianist is necessary for the following:
Piano Concerto No. 1, Mvmt. I (first statement only)
Piano Concerto No. 1, Mvmt. II (approximately 24 bars)
A short Ragtime on Silver (and Rag) from Sleeping Beauty
Some short piano waltzes and spirituals
The pianist may also double on the Celeste.
The pieces included in this performance are well studied by most musicians. Orchestras who have not performed the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Piano Concerto No. 1, Serenade for Stings, Symphony No. 5, and 1812 Overture (Finale) are encouraged to hold rehearsals on their own in advance of the scheduled rehearsal.
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Vivaldi, Venice and violins: all three are celebrated in Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, a compelling mystery story about an orphan girl in the early 1700s who is in search of her roots. A central clue to the mystery is a missing Stradivarius violin that the Duke of Cremona has brought to Vivaldi’s school of the Pieta in the hopes of finding his long lost grandchild. You’ll have to watch the story unfold to learn its conclusion!
Venice of the sixteenth century was a wondrous place, (the Disneyland of its day) and this captivating production recreates its ambiance for today’s young people. Few children can resist the idea of a city where streets are made of water and boats are part of everyday life.
Audiences will enjoy more than twenty-five excerpts from Vivaldi’s most popular and important works, including the Four Seasons, the Violin Concerto in A minor, and the Guitar Concerto. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors solve a mystery built around the historic context of the composer’s real life and his school of the Pieta. This exciting concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is an ideal addition to any children’s education program or family concert series. This program is recommended for audiences age six and up.
This is the story of Katarina, a young violinist who is sent to study music at the great Pieta orphanage in seventeenth century Venice. There, she comes under the tutelage of the famous music director and composer Antonio Vivaldi and, aided by the colorful gondolier Giovanni, searches the thrilling but mysterious atmosphere of Carnival and the Island of the Dead for clues to her past and a vanishing Stradivarius violin. Along the way, she comes to understand Vivaldi, his music and his reasons for staying at the orphanage despite his international fame. A touching climactic scene unites Katarina with her Grandfather and together they take Vivaldi’s music – “its spirit and soul” – out into the world.
“All silent now, the magic spell is told, all silent now, our mystery tale unfolds…”
The original audio recording of Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery claims dozens of top music, educational, and parenting awards. Based on this highly acclaimed recording, the Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Antonio Vivaldi in a live performance venue.
String count: soloviolin.6.6.5.4.4
2[1.2pic].0.0.0-0.2d.0.0-gui-hpd+org[=synth]-str
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we sill ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
A conductor’s score, complete with full score and dialogue cues, musician parts, and a reference script is sent at least 3 weeks in advance of the concert.
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Welcome to Georgian England where fine ladies and gentlemen travel to and from their stately homes in clattering horse-drawn carriages. Music fills London’s many concert halls and magnificent parks. But beyond this princely exterior, in a darkened room behind the opera house, lives a young, orphaned boy with a mysterious past and an extraordinary talent: he sings like an angel, but refuses to speak.
The stage is now set for Hallelujah Handel the dramatic Classical Kids Symphony Concert. The great composer George Frederic Handel arrives to conduct a rehearsal at the Foundling Hospital in London but he is quickly disturbed by the appearance of the diva soprano, Mme. Cuzzoni. This grandiose lady and Maestro Handel are drawn together by the haunting voice of Thomas, a young orphaned boy. Through their kindness, generosity and the power and majesty of Handel’s music, Thomas’ heart is finally healed.
Along the way, the story reveals much about Handel’s life and times in London including the city’s famous Vauxhall Gardens, the Opera Hall, the back streets of Gin Lane and finally the Foundling Hospital.
Hallelujah Handel is a theatrical presentation designed to introduce children to the life and music of George Frideric Handel. In this production, an orchestra, choir, boy soloist and two performers are brought together on stage in celebration of Handel’s music.
A production script and music excerpt rehearsal CD, as well as choir director and chorister books, will be provided well in advance for rehearsal purposes. A Conductor’s Book, complete with full-score, cues and incorporated script, along with all individual musician parts, will be sent approximately 1 month in advance of the concert.
Suggested instrumentation is:
String Count 4.4.3.2.1
2.2.0.1-2.2.0.0-tmp-hpd-str
In addition to providing conductor and orchestra, presenter shall be responsible for the following requirements necessary to mount this theatrical symphony concert production:
Presenter will provide a director to facilitate the casting, directing and staging of two actors and the coordination of a choir, boy soloist, and orchestra.
Presenter will provide a stage manager to assist the director in the above duties as well as technical coordination with venue’s staff and crew.
Presenter will provide two professional actors to play the roles of Maestro Handel and Madam Cuzzoni (must be a classically-trained Soprano). A boy soloist will be chosen from within the choir to play the role of Thomas.
Presenter will provide all necessary production elements (costumes, props, lighting, and sound) as the story and director may require.
Presenter will provide either a mixed children’s choir (SSA) or a girls’ choir. The Choirmaster is to rehearse the Choir in advance. (If using a girls’ choir, it would be best if a boy was included to play the role of Thomas.) The Choir will perform the following excerpts:
Cue 4: Approximately 15 bars of “For Unto Us”
Cue 5: Duet, Thomas and Mme. Cuzoni, from “Verdi Prati”
Cue 9: Duet, Thomas and Mme. Cuzoni, from the second verse of “Lascia”
Cue 12: Excerpt from “O Lovely Peace”
Cue 18: “See the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”
Cue 19: Bar 26 to end of “Glory to God”
Cue 21: Approximately 8 bars of “Piangerò”
Cue 23: Excerpt from “He Shall Feed His Flock”
Cue 24: Bars 1-19 and 91 to end of “Hallelujah”
String Count 4.4.3.2.1
2.2.0.1-2.2.0.0-tmp-hpd-str
The instrumentation listed represents the maximum number of books we will supply to accommodate the largest of orchestras. Though we sill ship our full set of parts, we defer to your judgment in reducing players based on your particular needs and requirements.
In addition to the Conductor’s Score and incorporated script, the following number of musician parts will be provided.
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Celebrate Christmas with Classical Kids in this holiday pageant for families!
Create your own family concert Christmas Pageant by adapting “Christmas on Main Street — A Classical Kids Christmas” to your stage.
Classical carols and classic poetry combine to tell the story of Christmas, just like the pageants of days gone by. Follow the Three Wise Men as they set out for Bethlehem; meet Saint Nicholas (no, not Santa Claus!); experience the traditions of Christmas around the world. It’s a magical Christmas eve, the celebration of Christmas Day and rejoicing of animals at the manger. Everyone will enjoy the story of why the stork delivers babies, how the robin got its red breast and how tinsel came to decorate our trees.
Features more than 30 traditional carols and holiday songs, including:
To request a quote, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
To download production resources, right click on a link and use your browser’s “Save to…” option. Actor bios will be sent after the actors are contracted for your specific performance(s). A full list of lighting cues will be sent prior to your performance(s).
The Classical Kids creator, producer/director and/or artists are available for press interviews. Written interviews can also be supplied. If you choose to publicize by radio, a call-in interview combined with event ticket and CD giveaways is a good way to go. Once onsite, artists are available for TV or radio interviews. Contact Paul Pement for more information.
You have the opportunity to enhance your performances with Classical Kids educational resources or raise your concert revenue by selling Classical Kids merchandise. To place orders for the world-famous Classical Kids CDs, DVDs & Books as well as the new Classical Kids Teaching Edition or individual Teacher’s Notes, please contact:
Steve Loucks (General Manager)
email: steve.loucks@idla.ca
telephone: (905) 831-1995
We can also arrive at your venue with our CD & DVD merchandise and schedule a post performance meet & greet and signing with our actors. Contact Paul Pement for more information.
Graphic Artwork | 13MB |
Publicity Photos | 51.3MB |
Technical Requirements | 173KB |
Program Information | 733KB |
Graphic Artwork | 37MB |
Graphic Artwork | 17.2MB |
Publicity Photos | 92MB |
Technical Requirements | 478KB |
Program Information | 16.4MB |
Graphic Artwork | 6.1MB |
Graphic Artwork | 70.8MB |
Publicity Photos | 3.4MB |
Technical Requirements | 156KB |
Program Information | 2.0MB |
Graphic Artwork | 12.8MB |
Publicity Photos | 35MB |
Technical Requirements | 164KB |
Program Information | 334KB |
Graphic Artwork | 83MB |
Publicity Photos | 13.9MB |
Technical Requirements | 143KB |
Program Information | 733KB |
Roger Anderson | 1.5MB |
Thad Avery | 1.8MB |
Natalie Berg | 2.3MB |
Elic Bramlett | 5.0MB |
Susan Hammond | 1.0MB |
Nicole Hren | 721KB |
Joe Lehman | 1.2MB |
Sara Murphy | 696KB |
Barbara Nichol | 676KB |
Paul Pement | 6.4MB |
Chris Petschler | 3.0MB |
Andrew Redlawsk | 4.2MB |
Leslie Ann Sheppard | 1.3MB |
Libby Wheeler | 3.0MB |
Lance Newton | 1.8MB |
Will Martin | 131KB |
Welcome to the world of Classical Kids. As a music specialist and symphony educator, you will find a wealth of concrete activities in music, social studies, writing and other arts.
Classical Kids presents each composer in context, as part of a story rich in historical detail and vivid music. While all the facts about the period are true, a fictional child leads the audience into the composer’s world. These stories are neither didactic nor reductionist in their language level and music quality. Children will expand fearlessly into any space we create for them. If we create small, condescending worlds, we create small, passive minds.
We respect your time and space and the limitations of available arts budgets, so included with the new Teaching Edition are digitized versions of our Teacher’s Notes. These notes are designed to allow you to print and share with students and colleagues as you go. No need to fill valuable space with boxes of text and workbooks.
In terms of educational theory, these Notes support the Integrated Curriculum, Whole Language Learning, Enquiry-based Learning, and Visual Thinking Strategies. You will find practical suggestions for every level of general student and musician. Together, they develop long-term learning, multi-level thinking, memory, cooperation and time management.
This package also includes an exclusive Slideshow DVD, featuring hundreds of images from the composers’ times. Feel free to share this valuable teaching resource as part of your educational outreach or community engagement program.
Enjoy your journey into the classical world!
Susan Hammond
Classical Kids Series Creator
Teach Arts as a spirit to be danced with, not a dragon to be slain.
Susan Hammond
This comprehensive book-style set combines musical studies with many other subject areas and skills and is designed to move children from passive listeners to active participants in music, drama, social studies, history, and other arts. The set also promotes literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The Teaching Edition includes 9 award-winning and best-selling Classical Kids CDs plus the Beethoven Lives Upstairs and Mr. Bach Comes to Call DVDs. The set also features 3 exclusive bonus discs.
The Teacher’s Notes support the Integrated Curriculum, Whole Language Learning, Enquiry-based Learning and Visual Thinking Strategies. They provide activities and suggestions to help students and musicians develop general creativity, multi-level thinking, memory skills, cooperation and time management. The scripts are ideal for class read-alongs or ESL programs. The Slideshow DVD also comes with hundreds of questions and activities to encourage class discussions.
This package meets or exceeds most state and provincial standards for arts education and was developed in coordination with the U.S. National Standard for Arts Education.
Classical Kids Teacher’s Notes include more than 100 facts, activities and thought-provoking questions to move beyond music into an integrated curriculum of social studies, creative writing, math, sciences and the other arts. Learning Magazine recognized these Guides with Curriculum Administrator Top 100 Districts’ Choice and Teacher’s Choice Awards. This educational resource complements all of the Classical Kids Live! concert series titles, offering teachers and students essential connections between the concert experience and classroom learning.
Classical Kids CDs are available in a bundle with corresponding Teacher’s Notes and are ready for use in any teaching environment based on a teacher’s own talents, interests or areas of study. Designed for the music specialist, generalist teacher or homeschooler, the Classical Kids combination provides all the tools necessary to build an exciting environment for learning.
Each volume of 36-55 pages moves children from passive listeners to active participants in the creative arts, enhancing literacy, critical thinking skills and building a strong platform for learning within all subject areas.
Classical Kids recordings have been used in classes from K-8, but are most suitable for Grades K-6. In each edition of our Teacher’s Notes, activities are ranked according to recommended grade level and the corresponding standard as outlined in the U.S. National Standards for Arts Education guidelines.
Teacher’s Notes along with an audio CD are offered by The Children’s Group in conjunction with Classical Kids Live! bookings.
For general sales of the Classical Kids Teaching Edition or individual Teacher’s Notes for all productions except Gershwin’s Magic Key, please visit our shop page for a 20% Discount. For Gershwin’s Magic Key educational resources, please contact Executive Director Paul Pement.
As an incentive to orchestras new to Classical Kids, we are offering to those who book the touring performances of our fully-produced productions, the award-winning Classical Kids Teaching Edition for free (a $300 value). Symphony educators have found this fully-integrated music program a valuable educational resource for reaching out to schools or for planning family concert activities.
Please contact Executive Director Paul Pement for more information.
We are proud to employ professional writers, directors, producers, actors, stage managers, and music editors. Click on any of our artists below to read about his/her biography.