Book Review of “Music Is . . .” by Stephen T. Johnson {Music Book Review Series}
Today I’m happy to share a book review of Music Is . . . by Stephen T. Johnson, the next post in the Music Book Review Series. This is the perfect gift book and belongs in every homeschool and music classroom! Read on to see why I think it’s so special.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in order to honestly review it here. This post also contains affiliate links.
Book Review of Music Is . . .by Stephen T. Johnson
Music Is. . . by Caldecott Honor Recipient Stephen T. Johnson is such a unique book and is the perfect addition to any homeschool or music classroom.
Each page contains original and fun illustrations by Johnson and a fun poem/rhyme that relates to the music genre being introduced.
I love how it cleverly teaches kids about the different musical genres and styles that they are likely to encounter in today’s music.
These are the genres/styles the kids will learn about:
- Classical
- Latin
- Jazz
- Country
- Heavy Metal
- Hip-Hop
- Rock and Roll
- Rhythm and Blues
- Electronica
- Pop
The book’s pages actually open up all the way so you can lay it all across the floor and see all pages at once.
Supplemental Material
After the book is complete, you can open it up the other way (the backs of all the pages) for Supplemental Material and Author’s Note that moms and teachers will love! Find here a description and information about each genre or style, what instruments play it, and examples of pieces to listen to in order to understand the genre better.
There is also a quote from someone who wrote or performed in that style such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlos Santana, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dolly Parton.
Video Review of Music Is. . .
Examples of Pieces for Each Genre
All the following are suggestions from Music Is. . ., but the book included lots more besides these!
- Classical
Appalachian Spring: II. Allegro by Aaron Copland (American, 1900-1990)
- Latin
“Águas De Março” (Waters of March) by Antonio Carolos Jobim and Elis Regina (bossa nova/Latin jazz)
- Jazz
“Salt Peanuts” by The Quintet: Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach (bebop)
- Country
“I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
- Heavy Metal
“Black Star” by Yngwie Malmsteen (neoclassical metal)
- Hip-Hop
“ABC’s” by Sugarhill Gang
- Rock and Roll
“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (rockabill/rock ‘n’ roll)
- Rhythm and Blues
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin (R&B/soul)
- Electronica
“An Ending (Ascent)” by Brian Eno with Daniel Lanois and Roger Eno (ambient)
- Pop
“I’m a Believer” by the Monkees (pop rock)
Where to Get Your Copy of Book Music Is . . .
Find the book at my Amazon Music Books for Elementary list here
