Songs That Help Kids Learn Music

Music is a fantastic tool for helping kids learn various skills, including music itself. Here’s a list of songs and resources that can assist children in learning about music:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a foundational song for kids learning music and serves as an invaluable tool in their musical education.

The song’s simple yet memorable melody aids in melody recognition and pitch development, fostering a sense of musicality.

It teaches the concept of rhythm and timing, encouraging children to maintain a steady beat while singing or playing instruments.

Additionally, this song can introduce kids to basic musical notation and ear training, enhancing their ability to recognise musical intervals and patterns.

Through singing and playing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” children learn essential musical skills and engage their creativity, as they can experiment with variations and improvisations, making it a fundamental resource in their musical journey.

The Alphabet Song

A foundational tune that aids children in both learning the alphabet and developing their musical abilities.

Its catchy melody and simple structure make it an effective tool for teaching the sequence of letters while also instilling the basics of rhythm and pitch recognition.

Kids can simultaneously grasp musical notation concepts and enhance their auditory skills by associating each letter with a specific note.

The song’s repetitive nature encourages active participation, fostering engagement and making it an enjoyable way for young learners to acquire both linguistic and musical knowledge, laying a strong foundation for their overall development in these areas.

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Musically, this song introduces children to a simple and recognizable melody.

Singing along to it helps kids develop their sense of pitch, melody recognition, and the ability to carry a tune. It’s an excellent choice for teaching basic vocal skills.

The song’s lyrics tell a story which can engage children’s imagination and encourage them to explore themes like friendship and empathy. It’s an opportunity to discuss the narrative elements found in music.

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

A nursery rhyme that can be used to introduce young children to basic musical concepts and early literacy skills.

The repetitive melody and lyrics make it easy for kids to sing along and develop their sense of pitch and rhythm.

Singing the song can also be a fun way to practice counting, as it involves asking for different quantities of wool.

The songs focus on a familiar farm animal, the sheep, and can allow children to learn about animals and their sounds.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

A classic and beloved children’s song that serves as an excellent resource for teaching kids about music in an engaging way.

Through the song’s repetitive structure, children can learn about various farm animals, their sounds, and their associated actions.

Musically, the song introduces young learners to pitch variation, as they mimic the different animal sounds by singing at different pitches.

This helps develop their sense of melody and pitch recognition. Additionally, the song’s repetitive verses and participation elements make it a great tool for teaching rhythm and coordination, as children can clap, stomp, or perform other actions in time with the song.

The Wheels on the Bus

It is a popular children’s song that entertains kids and provides educational value, including aspects of music education.

This song introduces children to the concept of rhythm and repetition, as it features a repetitive and rhythmic structure that can be clapped or tapped along with the lyrics.

The song encourages active participation by involving children in making sound effects such as the “wheels going round and round” or the “wipers going swish, swish, swish.”

This interaction helps kids develop a sense of rhythm and timing.

Additionally, the song’s verses explore various elements of a bus ride, which can be both entertaining and educational, teaching children about transportation and everyday experiences through music.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Another traditional nursery rhyme and singing game that offers valuable musical and developmental benefits for children.

This song introduces kids to the concept of rounds or canons in music, as it is often sung in a round with multiple groups starting at different times.

This teaches them about harmonizing and singing in sync with others. The repetitive and simple melody is easy for young children to sing, helping them develop their pitch and vocal skills.

Additionally, the song’s lyrics often involve actions like rowing and merrily merrily “life is but a dream,” which engage children physically and encourage them to express themselves through movement and play.

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

The song introduces young learners to a simple, repetitive melody, helping them develop their sense of pitch and melody recognition.

Singing along to this song encourages kids to use their voices in a fun and engaging way, promoting vocal development.

The song also incorporates actions, like the spider climbing up the waterspout and the rain washing it out.

These actions provide kinesthetic, encouraging physical engagement and coordination as children mimic the spider’s movements.

Do-Re-Mi from “The Sound of Music

Song that plays a significant role in introducing children and learners of all ages to the solfege scale.

The song’s catchy and memorable tune makes learning musical notes accessible and fun.

It helps individuals understand the concept of a musical scale, emphasizing the syllables (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do) associated with each note.

This song teaches basic music theory and encourages active participation, often involving actions or hand gestures corresponding to each note.

Let It Go

From Disney’s “Frozen” is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that captivates children and adults alike.

It introduces kids to the concept of vocal range as they witness Elsa’s transformation and the song’s crescendos.

Beyond its musicality, the song teaches important life lessons about self-acceptance and embracing one’s unique qualities.

Its memorable melody and lyrics make it an instant favourite, showcasing the profound impact that music can have in storytelling and conveying emotions.

Circle of Life

Circle of Life” from Disney’s “The Lion King” is a majestic and evocative song that introduces children to grand musical themes and the concept of a musical motif.

Its opening sequence with Rafiki and Simba also provides a visually captivating introduction to African culture and wildlife.

The song’s rich orchestration, soaring vocals, and powerful lyrics inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in young listeners, emphasising the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting nature and one another.

“Circle of Life” showcases the capacity of music to convey deep emotions and cultural appreciation, making it a valuable musical and educational resource.

Remember that music should be an enjoyable and interactive experience for kids. Encourage them to sing, dance, and play along with these songs to enhance their musical learning.