Making Music

Children's Literature

Langstaff added revisions to the original edition of this how-to-make music primer. In an era of fairly inexpensive keyboards and amplifiers it's something of a joy to revisit the pleasures of creating sounds through simple—and really cheap—creations. A series of double-page spreads enlivened by Wiseman's often humorous red-crayoned line drawings describe in simple terms how to create percussion instruments as simple as sand blocks and kitchen-pot drums to castanet spoons (a return to the nineteenth-century art of "spooning.") zithers, flutes, and horns are also given their due. Along the way, the authors manage to throw in Ben Franklin's "Glass Armonica," African thumb pianos, and a discussion of canons and rounds—though my favorite is probably the "Dandelion Trumpet," short-lived but charming. These are projects kids can do on their own, but if there's anything like a cutting edge involved, "An adult should help with this project" warning is boldly attached. The backmatter of index, list of resources, and musical terms is useful, too. Overall, this book brings back with nostalgia long summer days without interruptions from TV or the Internet when kids actually made something with their hands and gloried in the messy and noisy results. Summer is coming up. Give it a try! 2003 (orig. 1979), Storey Kids, Ages 8 to 10.
—Kathleen Karr

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Using easy-to-follow directions and examples drawn from musical forms from around the globe, Wiseman and Langstaff invite children to explore the world of music by showing them how to create their own instruments and rhythms. The projects incorporate everything from forks and pencils to clay pots and drinking glasses. Unfortunately, many of the activities would best be completed with adult assistance, a fact that is not always made clear in the text, so careful reading by adults is advised. For example, in "Pot Cover Cymbals," readers are instructed to "Unscrew knobs from covers. Thread string through holes. Use knots or buttons to keep lids from slipping." This is no easy task for young fingers and perhaps an unpleasant surprise for unsuspecting parents hoping to cook with those coverless pots. In other places, children are told to "Drill or poke holes" or to "Hammer bottle caps flat," without any safety warnings. Still, with some help and a little patience, young musicians can create many types of percussion instruments, pipes, and even some stringed instruments. Old-fashioned black-and-red illustrations appear throughout; they help to clarify the steps and add a bit of interest.-Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.