In doing some research for homeschooling my daughter next year I came across a fabulous set of printable eBooks (made available by Project Gutenberg) about the lives of the great composers.
Each one includes an easy-to-read story about the composer’s life with numbered squares where the student can place pictures cut from the back of the eBook. What a fabulous resource for piano teachers and students. Perfect for a group class or music history/appreciation focus!
Here are direct links to others:
Bach: The Story of the Boy Who Sang in the Streets
Beethoven: The Story of a Little Boy Who Was Forced to Practice
Chopin: The Story of the Boy Who Made Beautiful Melodies
Grieg: The Story of the Boy Who Made Music in the Land of the Midnight
Handel: The Story of a Little Boy Who Practiced in an Attic
Haydn: The Story of a Choir Boy Who Became a Great Composer
Liszt: The Story of a Boy Who Became a Great Pianist and Teacher
Mozart: The Story of a Little Boy and His Sister Who Gave Concerts
Schubert: The Story of the Boy Who Wrote Beautiful Songs
Schumann: The Story of the Boy Who Made Pictures in Music
Verdi: The Story of the Little Boy Who Loved the Hand Organ
Wagner: The Story of the Little Boy Who Wrote Plays
Linda says
Hello
I am so surprised to see these. I did these as a child but unfortunately I disliked them immensely. Maybe in a group class would go over better with children like me. As a child I did not want to do the work. I only remember one picture and that was of Handel. I remember one composer who practiced by candle light. Was that Bach?
Linda
natalie says
That’s good feedback, Linda! Do you remember how old you were or why you disliked them? Just boring to do on your own?
Linda says
Hi
I was so hesitant to send the message thinking it was too negative. I was about 7-8. At that time and you had to write a few paragraphs in the back pages, if I remember correctly. I didn’t care for that the most. I think the cutting out the pictures was OK. Yes, very boring. Classical music was very boring at the time. Now of course it is great.
natalie says
I’m glad you shared! It’s always helpful to have input from those who have used various resources!