Creative Ways to Make and Listen to Music as a Family

Order "All Together Singing in the Kitchen by Nerissa Nields, Katryna Nields, Dan Zanes" Here

Book Description
Music is not only fun, but it can be the all-purpose, go-to tool for any family--it can soothe a crying baby, engage an active toddler, entertain during long car rides, and help everyone get through daily chores. From playtime to bedtime, making music a larger part of your family's life can be hugely rewarding and lead to a lifetime of family memories.

You don't need to know a thing about music to get something out of this book. If you're new to singing or playing an instrument, this book offers tips and guidelines to get you started. By the same token, you might be a classical violinist or a teacher of elementary school music; this book provides songs, games, and ideas to inspire every family. Here you'll find:

• Songs for entertaining a new baby, first songs for little voices, rounds for when family members are ready to experiment with singing a part, songs to modify for any occasion, traditional folk songs, original songs, and more. Each song is presented with the lyrics, the chords, and any other fun information that may be helpful. The songs are also included on a CD so you can learn the melody and sing or play along.
• Musical games including songs with movements, dancing, rhythm games, audiation (leaving words out of a song), and imaginative play.
• Homemade instruments to make--from cardboard guitars to small hand drums--as well as practical tips on starting your interested child in learning an instrument. Also included are tips on how to help your child to practice (and how not lose your mind when they do!).
• Family traditions and community events to take your musical interests further, from seasonal celebrations to all-school sing-alongs and community hootenannies.

Making music with any group of people is one of the best and surest ways to forge deep emotional connections. Making music with the members of your family practically guarantees a lifetime of distinct, memorable, warm moments of togetherness. This book is a celebration of the connections that music can make.

About the Author
Nerissa and Katryna Nields are national touring musicians and sisters, a part of the legendary band The Nields who toured North America throughout the nineties and into this millennium. As a duo, they were a part of Lillith Fair, and have shared the stage with Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega, Sarah McLaughlin, Dar Williams, the Indigo Girls, James Taylor, Joan Baez, the Band, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Dan Zanes, and countless others. With fifteen albums in fifteen years, they remain prolific. Now that they are parents to young children, they have expanded their repertoire to include the youngest in the folk festival crowds. They have released two family albums, All Together Singing in the Kitchen and Rock All Day/Rock All Night, and a family music DVD titled Organic Farm.