A Child's Introduction to the Orchestra (Revised and Updated)

This interactive, bestselling introduction to the world of classical music from music history and key composers to instruments and arrangements now includes a removable poster and access to downloadable music so primary-age children (and their parents) can listen as they learn.

A Child's Introduction To The Orchestra is a fun and exciting musical journey. With cheery narrator Orchestra Bob as their guide, kids are encouraged to listen, learn, and enjoy as they are introduced to the most powerful works from the greatest composers throughout history. He tells wacky stories about deaf composers and quirky musicians, and explores the inspirations behind monumental pieces. Kids will also learn about each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani, as well as different musical styles from Baroque to Modern.

Each step of the way, children can listen to musical examples of what they are learning about by downloading audio tracks from an exclusive website. Young readers will hear the sound of an actual violin as they study the instrument and enjoy the playful tune of a Mozart minuet as they read about the composer's precocious exploits as a child. Also included is a removable a poster of instruments and their location in the orchestra.

Illustrated in exquisite and colorful detail with over 100 original drawings and photographs, this is the perfect introduction to the magical world of classical music.

About the Author

Author Robert Levine is an internationally known music and travel writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications. He was the co-editor of Records' Classical Pulse! Magazine , helped launch and was the Senior Editor-in-chief of Andante.com, a world wide web site devoted to every aspect of classical music and musicians. He attends his operas and symphonies in New York.

About the Illustrator

Meredith Hamilton graduated from Brown University and has an MFA from the School of Visual Arts. Formerly an art director at Newsweek and Time , she illustrated the previous six books in the Child's Introduction series, among other books, and her work can be found in magazines and animations as well. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and three children.