Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder how much information we could possibly find out about this ol’ diddy. Think about it, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is more than just a lullaby, it’s a piece of history that has literally twinkled across time and space. The melody is older than the words themselves and has … Read more
Explore various digital metronome apps, ranging from simple to complex.
Explore the ultimate test of virtuosity and skill on the ivory keys.
Experience the magic of musicals with your little ones! Check out our top 10 picks for family-friendly entertainment.
We’re celebrating Black History Month with a NEW FREE DOWNLOAD of 9 Inspiring Compositions celebrating Black Composers including “We Shall Overcome,” “The Entertainer” and “Funga Alafia!” Download Free Sheet Music The free songpack contains 9 colorful tunes notated with easy to read music that will get your kids singing about REAL musical concepts in no time … Read more
Have you ever heard a piece of music that sounded particularly otherworldly? If so, then there is a chance that this was an “atonal” composition. Here are some examples of famous atonal pieces: How do you know that a composition is atonal? Usually, experts say that any piece may be described as atonal when it … Read more
Are you or your child starting music lessons? If so, then you may begin to explore the world of music learning theory. When you do, you’ll probably hear the word “audiation.” Unless you have a significant background in music, you probably have never heard of audiation before. However, chances are good that you have some … Read more
People tend to associate injuries with sports. After all, it seems like playing football or tennis would be more likely to be physically strenuous. However, musicians and vocalists also work hard in a physical sense. This means that they are susceptible to injuries, though they may not be the same ones that would be received … Read more
Did you know that piano posture has a huge impact on how you play? Not only is good posture important for your health, but it affects your ability to reach the keys and the pedals. Plenty of technique issues can be solved by simply shifting your posture. Most kids don’t want to spend ages figuring … Read more
The future of music starts with the musical greats of the past. Music educators are often passionate about music history. They’re fascinated by the progression of music over time because they recognize that the progression of music is the progression of both society and the self. They’re also forever curious about the ways that music … Read more
Have you ever heard of Vicente Scaramuzza? Perhaps not, but if you are involved in the world of the piano, then the names Sergio Tiempo, Mauricio Kagel, Bruno Leonardo Gelber, and Martha Argerich may be familiar to you. In fact, all of these world-renowned pianists have a couple of things in common. They are all … Read more
Which musical instruments are the most familiar ones to you? Chances are good that instruments such as the piano, flute, guitar and drums immediately came to your mind. In western music, these are some of the most commonly played instrument, and they frequently are the subject of children’s instrument lessons. However, music in other parts … Read more
How you ever noticed the way that music can affect you physically? For instance, when your favorite song comes on the radio, do you find yourself unintentionally hitting the gas pedal just a little harder? Or, perhaps you’re listening to an old favorite on your MP3 player as you clean the house. Without making a … Read more
The greatest musical performers in history all had one thing in common. They had mastered the art of memorizing music. Certainly, musicians like Wolfgang Mozart, Carl Czerny, Franz Liszt, and Niccolò Paganini were geniuses or near geniuses. They were practically born with a natural ability to absorb, internalize and memorize complex musical scores. We’re not … Read more
As you an adult who has a lifelong dream of being able to sit down at a piano to play a Chopin etude? Or, perhaps you rather unexpectedly found yourself with a piano in the house, and you’re suddenly thinking that it might be fun to actually know how to play it. If so, you’re … Read more
A piano is a prized possession in many households. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get the care that it needs and deserves. If you want to treat your piano right and ensure its longevity, then use these simple maintenance tips. Tuning for Success This may be the most critical step you can take to ensure that … Read more
Everyone knows that music education programs in the United States have been going through a funding crisis period for more than a decade. Whenever school districts need to cut back on operational expenses, music programs are often the first to be affected despite complaints and grumblings from students, parents, educators, and members of the community. … Read more
After years of piano lessons and a lot of practice, most people gain a level of comfort with their keyboard skills. Playing piano starts to feel more natural and less like a chore — or an ongoing and painstaking learning process. A good pianist will almost inevitably get asked to serve as an accompanist. For … Read more
If you or your child is enrolled in piano lessons, then you expect to learn all about the sounds that each key makes, chords and how to produce a melody. However, you may be surprised by how much emphasis is placed on posture throughout the learning process. Why is posture at the piano so critical? … Read more
Choosing the perfect gift for musicians is not as difficult as some people may think. The problem ensues when you focus too much on what we call the “perfect gift,” which sometimes is more of a fantasy than an attainable reality. If your daughter’s dream of a gift is something along the lines of a … Read more
If you read the work of music critics and their opinions, there is a good chance that you may have come across rants against the merits of certain genres such as hip-hop and electronic dance music, which heavily rely on sampling, compared to the more traditional composing and performance heard in genres such as classical, … Read more
Hispanic Heritage Month pays tribute to generations of Hispanic Americans and their positive influence on culture and society. It’s also an opportunity to trace back the global roots and recognize some artists that helped shape our world of music. Buenos Días Play Buenos Días Buenos Días is the first Prodigies video to feature a Spanish … Read more
Whether you are a piano teacher or a student, chances are good that you’ve noticed a certain reluctance to attend lessons and practice during the summer. The days are long and warm, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are numerous. Moreover, school most likely isn’t in session, so there’s definitely a relaxation of the usual … Read more
If you or your child has recently begun studying music, then you may have heard the instructor talk about “ear training.” What exactly is ear training, and why is it important? Ear training isn’t absolutely necessary when you’re taking music lessons. In fact, lots of people have become proficient musicians without undergoing any kind of … Read more
Play along to the FREE Lessons, Sheet Music and Performance Videos for Grand Old Flag below! This was the first tune from an American Musical to sell over 1 Million copies! It was written by George Cohan for his 1906 musical, “George Washington, Jr.” and it’s a super catchy tribute to Old Glory. Easy Song … Read more
The first ever Prodigies Virtual Choir is here!! It’s here!! It’s here!! We’re THRILLED to share the first ever Virtual Choir from our Prodigies.com Community! Two months ago, we asked everyone using Prodigies to send us footage of your best Sweet Beets! And today, to kick off Week of the Young Child, we’re finally ready … Read more
Teach Music Month or Music In Our Schools Month is an annual event sponsored and promoted by the National Association for Music Education. NAfME points out in its online information that even though there is a yearly emphasized area, all music education is supported and encouraged during the month of March. Educators, parents, students and … Read more
Inspirational personalities and role models are vital to the formation of young music learners; this is a matter of projection, and it highlights the powerful combination of cognition and emotional intelligence. Boys and girls can greatly benefit from looking up to musicians who have left their mark through composition, performance, style, and active interests. It … Read more
You Should Definitely Use Digital Sheet Music and Modern Apps. Here’s Why: The year 2020 has left us many things to remember and many others to forget. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and just one week after the first vaccination campaign started in England, the world celebrated the 250th birthday of Ludwig van … Read more
Performing to a certain key is a mainstay of music education. Whether you are learning to sing or play an instrument, your instructor will insist that you stay faithful to the key. There are various reasons why it is crucial to recognize, find, and stick to a key when learning music. First of all, it … Read more
In the 1998 film “The Legend of 1900,” directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a piano prodigy born aboard a transatlantic cruise ship faced off in a duel against Jelly Roll Morton, the New Orleans musician who often proclaimed he invented jazz. During the second musical piece of the duel, Morton lit a cigarette and placed it … Read more
Many people believe that artists, particularly musicians, are bound to suffer for their chosen paths in life. Legendary jazz singer Nina Simone used to think of music as having being both a gift and a burden in her life; however, and similar to French cabaret singer Edith Piaf, she had no regrets. Why do musicians … Read more
Fans of easygoing independent rock have been paying attention to Sloan Peterson, a young Australian singer whose vocal delivery has been described as being similar to that of Lana del Rey, but with a natural timbre that does not suffer from overproduction. What music critics suggest with this comparison is that the first recordings by … Read more
The Pros and Cons of Learning to Play Piano Online If you or your child are excited about learning to play the piano, then you have important decisions to make. The first of these relates to the format that your piano lessons will take. Thanks to technological advances, you have several choices when it comes … Read more
During some of the most difficult moments of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, people have turned to music for various reasons. In South Florida, a certified music therapist spent several weeks visiting hospices and retirement homes in order to provide guitar recitals to residents apprehensive about their high risk of contagion and illness. In Michigan, a … Read more
Kids Music Day is an annual celebration that has been taking place since October 2016; it is mostly concentrated in the United States and Canada, but more parents and educators around the world are recognizing the importance of setting aside one day to spread awareness about the benefits of early music education. As can be … Read more
Whether you are a student of the piano or not, you probably understand that some pieces are harder to play than others. Playing Chopsticks is clearly not the same challenge as playing a piece by Mozart. However, are there certain piano pieces that cause even professional musicians to quake with fear? There are, and below are 10 … Read more
Some classical compositions are so famous that everyone knows them, even if they don’t realize it. That’s because classical music has long been used in commercials, cartoons, TV shows, films and political rallies for as long as these have been in existence. Moreover, it’s not unusual for 20th and 21st century musicians to use classical … Read more
There seems to be an unspoken consensus among musicians and non-musicians about piano performance. Legendary and masterful guitar players will sometimes look at a virtuoso such as Lang Lang and wish that they could have stuck to piano lessons. We tend to associate piano performance with Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart; this may explain why so … Read more
Have you ever noticed that music has the power to alter your emotions? With just a few notes, you may feel happy, sad, thoughtful, hopeful or a myriad of other feelings. An increasing body of research is demonstrating that not only can music affect mood but also it can influence social interactions. In fact, evidence … Read more
Did you know that September is Classical Music Month here in the U.S.? Whether you are a Tchaikovsky fan or don’t know Bach from Beethoven, there are plenty of ways that you can celebrate Classical Music Month and help your children do the same. Here’s a closer look at this musical celebration and how you … Read more
Even before the coronavirus pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020, a little over 7 million individuals in the United States worked from home at least some of the time. When we look back to the year 2015, the expansion of remote work has increased by more than 44%. It is … Read more
First and foremost, with all the craziness of COVID 19, we just wanted to say a quick hello & a big thank you for being a part of the Prodigies family! When budgetary crises loom in school districts, it frequently is arts education programs that are the first to be sacrificed. Some schools have experienced … Read more
Whether you went camping with your family as a child or spent many long, golden days at summer camp, you’re probably already familiar with the tradition of singing camp songs. Certain tunes just lend themselves perfectly to singing around the campfire. Where did these songs come from? Just as importantly, why is it important that … Read more
The Academic and Personal Benefits of Music Programs Music education is honestly music to the brain. The wealth of research available regarding the benefits of music education is stunning. A study published by the American Psychological Association (APA) recently found that students who take music courses score significantly higher in math, science and English than … Read more
When your child expresses an interest in taking music lessons, chances are good that you’ll give some serious thought to the piano. However, an increasing number of kids and parents are expressing an interest in keyboard lessons as an alternative. So which one is better: the piano or the keyboard? Is it possible to learn … Read more
Although music is not a required subject for some homeschoolers, many parents are choosing to include some form of music education in their curriculum. Many studies suggest that this is a wise decision, for the study of music may have a positive influence on concentration, confidence and many other critical components of development. It is … Read more
If you are a parent, student, music teacher or anyone else in search of scholarship money for a music school, the time to get serious about your quest is now. That’s because the competition is stiff, the application process is complex, and you need to have audition pieces ready long in advance. The good news … Read more
Who are some of the best role models in the category of “kid musicians”? Fortunately, there are probably hundreds of current “miniature masters” of the musical world, some of whom are not yet 10 years old. It seems like everywhere you turn, a new name is being added to the pantheon of awesome child musical … Read more
Combining technology with learning in subjects like math, science and languages seems natural, but can technology also improve music lessons? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, technology has already had a noticeable impact on music education around the world. Let’s explore some of the places where music and technology intersect, and how these … Read more
We all lose when schools lose music. Anyone who has ever participated in a music program understands the role that music education plays in helping students to tap into their creativity and develop essential life skills. So many people underestimate the value of music programs because they don’t see a direct link between “career” goals … Read more
An acoustic piano is no longer required when musicians want to achieve a full, rich, multi-layered tone. In fact, digital piano technology has come so far in recent years that even some trained musicians have difficulty distinguishing between what’s acoustic and what’s not. Thanks to these improvements, digital pianos are beginning to have several advantages … Read more
Is it possible to make a definitive list of the greatest female musicians of all time, or even a short listing of, say, 15 women in music who can inspire youngsters? People debate about such topics for hours, but it’s worthwhile to at least make an attempt at a roster of top women musicians that … Read more
Homeschooling parents who want to introduce some form of music instruction into their child’s curriculum may have a difficult time knowing where to start. This is less true if you have an extensive background in music education, such as if you used to play the clarinet in the school band. What if you feel like … Read more
Do your kids love animated musicals like Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and Anastasia? If so, then they might be interested in watching live-action musical films. Musicals were incredibly popular in Hollywood and across the country from the 1920s through the early 1960s. They have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, though they … Read more
Should you sign your children up for music lessons? What are the pros and cons of placing young children and teens in lessons where they can learn to play an instrument or sing? Will after-school music classes interfere with a child’s regular school work? All those questions are common ones for parents who ponder the … Read more
Many parents wonder about some of the specialized systems that are used to teach music to children. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around, so it’s best to dispel some of them right off the bat. In the realm of early childhood musical education, dozens of techniques and approaches exist for teaching young children … Read more
Parents often wonder whether they should enroll children in music courses and lessons besides the smattering of music teaching offered in school. Is the extra time and expense worth it, they ask. Will my child feel over-burdened with additional homework and study pressure if they take an after-school piano or guitar lesson a couple days … Read more
At Meyer Melvin Junior High, a public school that is part of the Borough of Brooklyn, students start their days with a group activity called “Town Hall,” in which they talk about topics that are often related to their lives outside the classroom. A student whose previously unemployed parents recently found good jobs gets a … Read more
We’re working on more songs and lessons for Ukulele Prodigies! In fact, we just posted a brand-new tab video for Five Little Pumpkins!! But, if you find yourself waiting for more practice material, we’ve got some suggestions on where to go next. We’re working hard on more videos, but they take time to edit and … Read more
Totigies is a Solfege rich ear-training series for prenatal infants, babies & toddlers.
Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings from all of us here at Prodigies!! To celebrate Christmas, we just released a very special seasons greetings that you can check out above, on YouTube, share it on Facebook, or check it out inside the Prodigies Music Lessons app. We also have two VERY IMPORTANT announcements! We encourage everyone … Read more
This Thanksgiving, we’re thrilled to share our first-ever Thanksgiving episode with “Gobble Gobble Gobble.” We hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving and don’t forget to check out the sheet music download below as well as Cyber Savings inside the Prodigies Shop! In this free video, you and your kids can sing, hand-sign and play along! … Read more
Believe it or not but Christmastime is almost here! Some radio stations are already starting to play Christmas music, so we’ve compiled a list of songs that you can play in your classroom or home. We tried to eliminate some of the ones you hear constantly on the radio so that you’re getting something fresh! … Read more
Last week we looked at 21 songs for Autumn and Halloween, and this week we’re diving a little deeper into the 5 Little Pumpkins song! We have come up with several music activities that go right along with the song as well as a craft, snack, and DIY pumpkin instrument! Hope you enjoy Five Little … Read more
To celebrate Halloween, we’re singing and playing along with one of Prokokiev’s most famous pieces, Montagues & Capulets from his 1930’s ballet, Romeo & Juliet.
Looking for some festive fall songs to play in your music classroom? What about some spooky classical music pieces to play during Halloween? From pumpkins and leaves to spiders and squirrels, we’ve compiled a whole list of songs to add a little fall to the air! The first set of songs includes some fun autumn … Read more
Hey everyone! Mr. Rob here with a very special, YouTube exclusive, episode of Prodigies! Today we have a playalong track for “Remember Me” from Disney Pixar’s 2017 film Coco. Presented in the Orff style, this playalong track is arranged for one-octave C Major instruments, making it perfect for Deskbells, Boomwhackers or the piano.
We’ve chosen some of our favorite summer campfire songs and compiled them into a playlist for you. Check it out!
The mantra of only one complaint a day. eventually, this silly idea will start to influence you whole way of thinking to be more positive!
New Series Preview: Performance Prodigies Has Arrived! by Mr. Rob | Apr 2, 2018 Not only are we airing Primary Prodigies Chapter 2 this April 2018, we’re also adding dozens of new Orff Friendly Performance Tracks inside of a new collection, Performance Prodigies. While at the TMEA 2018 Conference, we spoke to a lot of … Read more
Watch as our good buddy Boo aces this pitch test!! The powerful musical skill of absolute pitch shows up in about 1 in 10,000 English speaking kids. In cultures where the language is more reliant on pitch and tone however, there’s an almost culture-wide sense for absolute pitch. There are several methods and strategies for … Read more
Music Instruction for Children Africa, Turkey, Australia, and America… Prodigies is having far-reaching effects on many different parts of the world! The lives of thousands of children in 40 different countries are being invested in with our music curriculum! Through the use of chromatic desk bells and engaging music videos, children of all ages are … Read more
Orchestra music stories to help your children with learning pitches and timbres and how different instrument families sound.
Are you wanting to start piano lessons but not sure where to start? Check out My First Piano Adventure for the Young Beginner by Nancy and Randall Faber!
Have you been wondering about starting your child on a musical instrument, but just weren’t sure if it was beneficial yet, or if they were ready? Here to tell us a bit more about that and also to share an AMAZING infographic is Diego Cardini, from over at Net Sounds Music. Here’s Diego… If we … Read more
Looking for Valentin’s day songs for the kids? Here’s a fun YouTube playlist where you can find 10 lovable songs for Valentines Day!
A New Way To See Music Today on the blog, we want to feature the Youtube videos of Stephen Malinowski, an incredibly innovative musician who has developed a unique platform for viewing graphical music scores, and turning those scores into visually engaging Youtube videos. Malinowski’s invention is called the Music Animation Machine. What is it? … Read more
Check out this multi-tracked music video of an awesome instrument called the glockenspiel.
We’ve put together a Top 10 list of our favorite classical music pieces you should expose your children to.
Looking for an affordable alternative to our colorful deskbells? Or maybe you’re taking your music lessons on the go this week? With our Prodigies Bells app, you’ll always have a colorful set of deskbells in your back pocket, perfect for practicing on the go or hammering out a new song idea that just popped into … Read more
We’ve been working on our newest mini-series, Recorder Prodigies, and we’re excited to share the introduction AND the first song below! Look for the first few levels inside the Prodigies Playground now!
Hey everyone!! Mr. Rob here with a quick tip about how to make my favorite instrument (the deskbells of course) a bit easier on the ears! Keep in mind that I’m not particularly savy with crafts and crafting supplies, and I look forward to some of you Pinterest moms out there helping me improve on … Read more
Preschool Prodigies is all about engaging young children in meaningful and memorable play with individual musical notes! We’re not just listening to different instruments or memorizing composers and styles. We’re actually learning the sounds of music and honing our sense of perfect pitch. “What note is it?” A listening game inside Prodigies One of the … Read more
Music from South India is called Carnatic music, and it uses the syllables Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa. This isn’t simply another way to talk about Do Re Mi, it’s a different scale, or set of tones. A lot of my students (and myself included) love the hypnotic drone quality of the … Read more
Be Kind: Music and Videos for Facilitating Conversations About Character Anyone living here in the U.S. (and on the greater planet Earth) is well aware that this year has been a crazy one. From basic human rights problems around the world, to intensely negative politics here in the U.S., I almost forgot that October is … Read more
A collection of some of the best videos, studies and research so that you can discover for yourself the benefits of playing a musical instrument.
It’s no mystery that everything here at Preschool Prodigies is color-coded! Very often though, I talk to parents and music teachers who ask “Is color-coded music making it too easy for my child?”
Welcome to another episode of Prodigies, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! This song uses 6 notes (Do Re Mi Fa Sol La). Remember that if you don’t have an instrument, you can follow along with the Solfége Hand Signs! You can find the latest version of the sheet music inside My First Songbook Happy musicing!