If you’ve ever been swept away by the soaring melodies of The Phantom of the Opera or hummed along to songs from Cats or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, then you’ve already experienced the genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is one of the most famous composers of musical theater in history, and today we’re diving into his life, his style, and his most iconic work—The Phantom of the Opera.
This is part of my Composer Spotlight series, where we introduce kids to great composers in fun, accessible ways. Whether you’re a homeschool family or a classroom teacher, this lesson will make it easy to add a little music appreciation into your week.
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Who is Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Andrew Lloyd Webber was born in London on March 22, 1948, into a home filled with music. His father was a professor of music, his mother was a piano teacher, and even his brother Julian became a professional cellist. Music was everywhere in their house, and Andrew began writing his own tunes when he was just nine years old.
As a teenager, he was already creating little musicals and songs for school plays. In 1965, he met Tim Rice, a young lyricist, and together they created some of the most groundbreaking musicals of the 20th century, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita.
By the 1980s, Andrew Lloyd Webber was producing hit after hit. His musical Cats ran for decades in London and on Broadway. But his most successful show of all premiered in 1986: The Phantom of the Opera. It became the longest-running musical in Broadway history and has been performed in over 80 countries for more than 140 million people.
Today, Webber’s music is known for being dramatic, emotional, and unforgettable. He combines classical, pop, and rock elements to create melodies that stick in your head and tug at your heart.
What is a Musical?
Before we dive into Phantom, let’s take a step back and ask: What is a musical?
A musical is a kind of play that tells a story through a combination of songs, dialogue, and dancing. Instead of only speaking like in a play, characters often burst into song to share their feelings or move the story forward.
Musicals usually include three main elements:
Songs – solos, duets, and big ensemble numbers that help tell the story.
Dialogue – spoken lines between characters.
Dance – choreographed movements that bring extra energy and excitement to the stage.
Musicals are different from operas, which are almost entirely sung and usually performed in a classical style. In musicals, you’ll often hear modern styles like pop, rock, or jazz, and the performers usually use microphones.
Think of musicals as a story with extra magic—where music, acting, and dance come together to make something unforgettable.
The Story of The Phantom of the Opera
The story of The Phantomof the Opera began as a French novel by Gaston Leroux in 1910. Leroux was fascinated by the rumors and legends surrounding the Paris Opera House, which had underground tunnels, trap doors, and even a small underground lake. People whispered that it was haunted, and Leroux spun these spooky tales into a mystery and romance.
In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, we meet three main characters:
Christine Daaé – a young soprano singer who becomes the star of the opera.
Raoul – Christine’s childhood friend and true love.
The Phantom – a brilliant but deformed musician who lives hidden beneath the opera house.
Christine thinks the Phantom is her “Angel of Music,” secretly teaching her how to sing. But when the Phantom falls in love with her and becomes jealous of Raoul, he creates chaos—most famously, crashing a giant chandelier down during a performance.
In the end, Christine shows compassion to the Phantom. She even gives him a gentle kiss, the first kindness he’s ever known. Heartbroken, he lets her go with Raoul and disappears back into the shadows.
This blend of romance, mystery, and drama, combined with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable music, is what makes The Phantom of the Opera such a beloved masterpiece.
Listening for Motifs
One of the best ways to help kids enjoy Phantom is to listen for its motifs. A motif is a short piece of music that returns throughout the show, representing a character or idea. Here are the big ones to listen for:
The Phantom’s Organ Theme – dark and powerful, heard in the Overture.
Christine’s Motif – bright and hopeful, found in Think of Me.
The Music of the Night – gentle and romantic, showing the Phantom’s longing for love.
Raoul & Christine’s Love Theme – warm and safe, most noticeable in All I Ask of You.
Encourage your kids to listen for these motifs and describe how each one makes them feel.
What is an Organ?
The organ is one of the most important instruments in Phantom. It’s also one of the largest and most powerful instruments in the world. Instead of strings, the organ pushes air through pipes—like a giant set of whistles. The player uses keyboards, pedals, and special buttons called “stops” to create different sounds.
The organ can imitate trumpets, flutes, or create deep rumbling tones that shake the whole building. That’s why it’s often used in churches, concert halls, and theaters.
Fun fact: the very first organ, called the hydraulis, was invented more than 2,000 years ago in ancient Greece and used water pressure to make sound! Later organs used bellows, and today’s modern pipe organs use electricity—but they all work on the same principle.
In The Phantom of the Opera, the organ’s dramatic sound is the perfect match for the Phantom’s mysterious character.
Teaching The Phantom of the Opera is more than just a music lesson. It’s an opportunity to:
Introduce your kids to the world of musical theater.
Spark curiosity with storytelling, mystery, and drama.
Teach important music concepts like motifs, voice types, and instruments.
Encourage compassion and empathy, as Christine shows toward the Phantom.
Final Thoughtsabout Composer Spotlight: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music has shaped the world of theater and inspired generations. By introducing your kids to his work through The Phantom of the Opera, you’re not just teaching music—you’re opening the door to a world of creativity, storytelling, and beauty.
So, light the stage, play the music, and let your homeschool be filled with the drama and wonder of Phantom of the Opera!
Find more musicals to study in the Intro to Musicals online course:
Intro to Musicals for Elementary Students
Get a taste of 11 different musicals that you and your students will love!
