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The Very Best Music for Children

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 21 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #718 in Family, #17540 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

 

A love of music is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.

A Note About My Methodology 

My philosophy in making these recommendations is, in short, good, clean fun.

I do not believe in dumbing down music (or anything else) for children, but I do believe it's important to be respectful of the difference between adults and children, especially young children. At the same time, music should be a pleasure for the whole family, so I've done my best to feature music that will be a joy for both children and their parents.

Raffi 

No child should grow up without music by the beloved Canadian singer and songwriter Raffi.
Singable Songs For The Very Young: Great With A Peanut-Butter Sandwich

Singable Songs For The Very Young: Great With A Peanut-Butter Sandwich

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Baby Beluga

Baby Beluga

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Singable Songs Collection

The Singable Songs Collection

Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Raffi's Box of Sunshine

Raffi's Box of Sunshine

Amazon Price: $25.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Sing Along With Raffi 

These books have lively, colorful illustrations to accompany the lyrics of some of Raffi's most popular songs.
Baby Beluga (Raffi Songs to Read)

Baby Beluga (Raffi Songs to Read)

by Raffi

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Wheels on the Bus (Raffi Songs to Read)

Wheels on the Bus (Raffi Songs to Read)

by Raffi

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Down By the Bay (Raffi Songs to Read)

Down By the Bay (Raffi Songs to Read)

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Five Little Ducks

Five Little Ducks

by Raffi

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Shake My Sillies Out (Raffi Songs to Read)

Shake My Sillies Out (Raffi Songs to Read)

by Raffi

Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Tom Chapin 

An American singer-songwriter with strong folk roots, Tom Chapin is most famous for his recordings of children's music.
Family Tree

Family Tree

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Peter, Paul, and Mary 

The popular folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary have recorded several fantastic albums for children.
Peter, Paul and Mommy

Peter, Paul and Mommy

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Peter, Paul & Mommy, Too

Peter, Paul & Mommy, Too

Amazon Price: $15.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Around the Campfire

Around the Campfire

Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Pete Seeger 

Beloved folk singer Pete Seeger has recorded a number of albums for children.
Pete Seeger's Greatest Hits

Pete Seeger's Greatest Hits

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Children's Concert at Town Hall

Children's Concert at Town Hall

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

If I Had a Hammer: Songs of Hope & Struggle

If I Had a Hammer: Songs of Hope & Struggle

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Abiyoyo (And Other Songs and Stories)

Abiyoyo (And Other Songs and Stories)

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

American Folk, Game and Activity Songs for Children

American Folk, Game and Activity Songs for Children

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Burl Ives 

Another beloved American folksinger who often recorded material for children
Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity

Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burl Ives

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burl Ives

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Burl Ives Sings Little White Duck (And Other Children's Favorites)

Burl Ives Sings Little White Duck (And Other Children's Favorites)

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Sweet Honey in the Rock 

An African American female a cappella group with deep roots in the African-American musical traditions of spirituals, hymns, gospel, jazz, and blues.
All for Freedom

All for Freedom

Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

More Great Albums For Kids 

A fun selection of albums, particularly good for preschool and elementary age children
No!

No!

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

For the Kids

For the Kids

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Hush

Hush

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake

Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Best of Schoolhouse Rock

Best of Schoolhouse Rock

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Disney 

Several generations of children have grown up loving Disney movies and songs. This is a good starter collection of Disney's greatest hits.
Classic Disney, Vol. 1: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Classic Disney, Vol. 1: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Classic Disney, Vol. 2: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Classic Disney, Vol. 2: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Classic Disney, Vol. 3: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Classic Disney, Vol. 3: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Classic Disney, Vol. 4: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Classic Disney, Vol. 4: 60 Years of Musical Magic

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Classic Disney, Vol. 5

Classic Disney, Vol. 5

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Sesame Street and The Muppets 

Two great collections of classics from the popular children's shows
Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites (Blister Pack)

Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites (Blister Pack)

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

The Muppet Show: Music, Mayhem, and More! - The 25th Anniversary Collection

The Muppet Show: Music, Mayhem, and More! - The 25th Anniversary Collection

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Classical Music 

These days, almost everyone has heard of the "Mozart Effect" - the notion that listening to classical music, especially the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in infancy can increase intelligence. I personally think the effect on IQ has probably been overstated, but I do believe that classical music can be beneficial for children and adults alike. Not only is it beautiful and by turns relazing and invigorating, it is also an important part of the cultural heritage not only of the Western cultures that produced it but of all humanity. Whether it really increases your intelligence is questionable, but it certainly can't hurt!

Learn About the Mozart Effect 

The Mozart Effect
Books, articles, music and resources on The Mozart Effect and using music for enhanced health, relaxation and mental stimulation
Mozart effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
General information
Mozart effect
Informtion from The Skeptic's Dictionary

Classical Music for Babies 

Fisher-Price Rainforest Peek-A-Boo Waterfall Soother

Fisher-Price Rainforest Peek-A-Boo Waterfall Soother

Amazon Price: $36.68 (as of 10/11/2008)

Tiny Love Symphony Light and Motion Mobile in Blue/Yellow

Tiny Love Symphony Light and Motion Mobile in Blue/Yellow

Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Ocean Wonders Musical Aquarium Crib Attachment

Ocean Wonders Musical Aquarium Crib Attachment

Amazon Price: $85.00 (as of 10/11/2008)

Classical Music Kids Love 

Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet

Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals

Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches

Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches

Amazon Price: $10.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Walt Disney's Fantasia: Remastered Original Soundtrack Edition

Walt Disney's Fantasia: Remastered Original Soundtrack Edition

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies

Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies

Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 10/11/2008)

Introduce Your Kids to the Masters 

These CDs combine stories with a selection of the best music by each composer, and are a perfect way to introduce kids to the wonders of classical music.
Beethoven Lives Upstairs

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Mr. Bach Comes to Call

Mr. Bach Comes to Call

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

More Classical Music Collections 

These collections feature some of the most popular and familiar classical melodies, great for kids and adults alike.
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Amazon Price: $3.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Classics for Kids

Classics for Kids

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

25 Classical Favorites

25 Classical Favorites

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Mad about The Classics

Mad about The Classics

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 10/11/2008)

Opera 

These albums and collections offer an accessible introduction to the world of opera, with familiar tunes and stories, for kids and adults alike.
Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children

Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Classical Child at the Opera

The Classical Child at the Opera

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'

Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel

Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Holidays! 

Holidays are times for special music and my favorite holidays are those with special music associated with them.

The Best Irish Music for Kids 

St. Patrick's Day isn't only for the Irish anymore! Here are some great albums to help you celebrate with your kids.
James Galway & The Chieftains in Ireland

James Galway & The Chieftains in Ireland

Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Top o' the Morning: His Irish Collection

Top o' the Morning: His Irish Collection

Amazon Price: $7.97 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Best Patriotic Music for Kids 

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the musical fireworks on these great patriotic albums.
Sousa's Greatest Hits

Sousa's Greatest Hits

Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording

The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Songs of the Civil War

Songs of the Civil War

Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Best Christmas Music For Kids 

There are many, many albums of novelty songs intended for kids, but I like the classics better than anything.
Raffi's Christmas Album

Raffi's Christmas Album

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

A Holiday Celebration

A Holiday Celebration

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

White Christmas

White Christmas

Amazon Price: $6.25 (as of 10/11/2008)

The Christmas Song

The Christmas Song

Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 10/11/2008)

20th Century Masters: The Best of Burl Ives - The Christmas Collection

20th Century Masters: The Best of Burl Ives - The Christmas Collection

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

More Great Music for Kids 

  1. Nursery Rhymes
    So, I sat down to make this Lens and then realized that I didn't actually have any nursery rhymes collections - I just sing them to my daughter myself! - and therefore had no recommendations to give. Obviously, though, kids love nursery rhymes, and as soon as I find some good collections, I'll add them in above.
  2. Jazz and Big Band
    Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole... Rich voices and classic melodies make the music of this era ideal for children
  3. Oldies
    Who can resist "Rock Around the Clock?" The 50's produced a whole host of foot-tappin' melodies kids love!
  4. The 60's and 70's
    The music of these decades may require a bit more care in choosing, unless you really want your kids listening to music about sex and drugs, but the explosion of folk singers in this period makes it great for children's music anyway. Check out cleaner songs by Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver, Joan Collins, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, The Beatles, and many others.
  5. Gospel
    I'm not strongly religious myself, but even non-Christians have a hard time resisting the magnificent sounds of Gospel, and many children love it.
  6. Film Scores
    Film scores like Schindler's List, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars are a treasure trove of fabulous music.
  7. Your Favorite Music
    Okay, so, depending on your tastes, you might have to introduce your own favorite music gradually to your children. Babies and young children especially can be easily overstimulated by loud music in particular, and the content of some adult music isn't really appropriate for young children. However, what's the point in giving your children a love of music if you can't share it with them a bit? I say, go for it!

"Grown-up Music" for Kids 

These collections offer fun, kid-safe popular tunes in each genre, sung by the orignal artist. Adults will love them too!
A Child's Celebration of Rock 'n' Roll

A Child's Celebration of Rock 'n' Roll

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

A Child's Celebration of Dance Music

A Child's Celebration of Dance Music

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

A Child's Celebration of Folk Music

A Child's Celebration of Folk Music

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

A Child's Celebration of Showtunes

A Child's Celebration of Showtunes

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

A Child's Celebration of Soul

A Child's Celebration of Soul

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Other Resources 

Music For Little People
20 years as a leading resource for the highest quality award-winning audio, video, musical instruments, toys, and games for children and families.
Chinaberry.com
Chinaberry offers items to support families in raising their children with love, honesty and joy.
Welcome to KIDiddles (TM) - Not your Average Kids' site!
A fantastic children's music resource.

Guestbook 

a_willow

Great selection! Never too much music! My 14 month old girl is sooo cute when she dances! :)

Posted October 11, 2008
totalhealth

nice lens. I started to to like children's music when I had a nephew a few years back, until now still enjoy listening and singing nursery rhymes with my niece.

Posted September 18, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz

I'm sending you some virtual Valentine's Day Adjectives and Heart Shaped Waffles for joining our Unit Studies Group.

Posted January 30, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz

It's nice to see Raffe at the top of your list. I like to use many of the songs on the albums your mention in my K-1 class or when I am teaching Spanish. Check it out on www.squidoo.com/peteseeger. Let's lensroll eachother! 5* Please consider joining http://www.squidoo.com/groups/unitstudies to share your ideas for making learning fun, active and creative for all.

Posted October 27, 2007
Evelyn_Saenz

You certainly have found the best music for kids. Please consider joining www.squidoo.com/groups/unitstudies.

Posted October 25, 2007
 
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