Reader Recommendations: Musical Instruments

Www.how2readmusic.com, eyes and ears for music, is a new website for learning to read music through the use of fun games, theory chapters and self-tests. Music students or anyone interested in learning to read music can use the games in How2readmusic to train their ears and mind through melodic and rhythmic dictation, and exercises in reading and writing music notation. Rhythmic and Melodic dictation games allow students to become familiar with music notation, while the very user-friendly composing program gives students a chance to try their hand at composing! The chapters on Music Theory cover all the basic information that a student can learn without the trained ear of a teacher present. Music Teachers can use How2readmusic.com as a resource that their students can use to practice elements of theory outside of precious lesson time. The program even comes with a monitoring and guidance system that teachers can use to give assignments and follow their students' progress from week to week! Most importantly, the students can have fun while playfully learning the fundamentals of music!

littlecellist.com is a new website for children learning the cello. It includes links to fun cello games and videos on the internet, listings of concerts and courses and pages on famous cellists. There's also a Printables section with manuscript paper, coloring pages and word puzzles and a Your Space section for children to send in their drawings, jokes and compositions. Current features include interviews with Steven Isserlis, who is also honorary patron of the site, and with Francesca Simon, author of the Horrid Henry books, about Perfect Peter and his cello.

"A great website to get kids started playing harmonica. Suggestions and tips for parents and teachers to assist with the learning. Free songs, playing tips, games, FAQs, and instruction are included."