The giveaway has now ended. Check the bottom of the post right below the Rafflecopter form for the announcement of the winner! And be sure to check your newsletter on Sunday for a special deal from Maestro Classics!
It’s time for my final 6th blogiversary giveaway! I have a FABULOUS giveaway sponsored by Maestro Classics! Someone from the U.S. has a chance to win the Maestro Classics 12-CD Collection for a child, homeschool, preschool, or elementary school!!! (Total value approximately $150!) And there’s a worldwide option, too! If the winner is from outside the U.S., the winner will receive downloads of the 12 MP3s and PDF booklets!
I love to recommend Maestro Classics. Maestro Classics music albums for kids have won over 50 national awards – and those awards are from the top children’s product reviewers in the country!
Maestro Classics fits in perfectly with Montessori education (or any type of education)! Maestro Classics has amazing CDs/activity booklets and MP3s/PDFs that encourage music appreciation through a mixture of classical music and story. The music is even performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra!
The music is sophisticated enough for advanced musicians to appreciate, and the narration and booklets are clear and simple enough that parents without any musical background can feel comfortable sharing the experience with their children. Most of the CDs are intended for ages 5+ and families, although many children from about age 4 on would love them. (My 2-year-old granddaughter, Zoey, loves them, too!)
Disclosure: Over the years, I’ve been given a set of Maestro Classics CDs. I was never required to give positive reviews. My reviews are honest and my own opinion.
About Maestro Classics 12-CD Collection
“The 12-CD Collection contains
- Peter and the Wolf
- The Story of Swan Lake
- Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
- The Soldier’s Tale
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
- My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
- Juanita la langosta española
- Merry Pranks of Master Till
- Carnival of the Animals
- Casey at the Bat
- The Tortoise and the Hare
- The Nutcracker
The 12 CD’s/activity booklets are $149.97 when purchased as a collection, but each CD is $16.97 when purchased individually. Each MP3/PDF is $9.98 when purchased individually. [Affiliate] The 12-CD set is on sale right now on Amazon for $90.32!
Here are the descriptions of the 12 titles (in italics) from Maestro Classics with my impressions of a number of the titles. Click on each image to go to the title.
The Maestro Classics albums are awesome! I have the set of CDs and a number of the MP3/PDF booklet downloads. I often found it helpful to be able to print out the booklets to help in making hands-on activities (as you can see in some of my activity posts).
Peter and the Wolf
Peter and the Wolf, the greatest of all works for narrator and orchestra, joins Maestro Classics delightful Stories in Music™ series as the London Philharmonic Orchestra (the same orchestra that recorded the soundtrack to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy), Grammy-nominated conductor Stephen Simon, and narrator Yadu create a magical listening experience!
I’ve always absolutely loved Peter and the Wolf as a way to introduce young children to classical music. There are so many fun activities you can do to enrich this story, although the CD alone is amazing. Because it’s played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the music is wonderful for anyone. The CD is recommended for ages 4+ and families.
The illustrated booklet has some great activities and information about Russian folk music. I really enjoyed the Russian folk version of the title song and the dance along at the end. I could imagine how much my daughter especially would have loved the dancing when she was little. My feet were dancing just listening to it! 
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Peter and the Wolf activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Peter and the Wolf.
The Story of Swan Lake
The Story: This classic tale tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess. An evil magician, however, has turned the princess into a swan, and only the prince’s true love can break the spell!
This narrated version of the classic tale is sure to delight young and old who love ballet, enchanting storytelling, and beautiful music. Recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (The Lord of The Rings soundtrack) with Grammy-nominated conductor Stephen Simon, The Story of Swan Lakeby Maestro Classics has been recognized nationally by children’s product reviewers including Parent’s Choice, Creative Child Magazine and more – Click here for a complete list of awards.
Swan Lake is a great way to expose children to classical music and story in the form of ballet. The London Philharmonic Orchestra and narration provide a beautiful introduction to the story. I also loved the creativity in a speed metal version of Swan Lake by Joe Stump on electric guitar.
The illustrated booklet is filled with background information and activities. I know my children would have enjoyed each of the Maestro Classics booklets. The Swan Lake booklet even has a simple explanation of major and minor music. I especially enjoyed the original lyrics to “Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet,” a fun song for kids and parents to sing along with after listening to the story.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Swan Lake activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Swan Lake.
My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
The Story: When Handel, the brilliant young German composer living in London, needed to get back into the king’s good graces, he had a brilliant idea… He composed a suite of dances, hired a boat and 50 musicians, and headed down the River Thames to surprise King George I! The music became known as Water Music, one of Handel’s best-loved compositions. In this recording The London Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Stephen Simon perform music from Handel’s Water Music, Messiah, and Rinaldo throughout the story. My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music was the recipient of a National Parenting Center Gold Award and a Parent’s Choice Silver Award.
Even as an adult, I enjoy learning more about composers, and My Name is Handel is a fascinating introduction to Handel’s life and music. The booklet gives an interesting version of both music and London in Handel’s time. My favorite, though, is “My Name is Handel” with its original lyrics and fun sing-a-long with the orchestra and chorus to the “Hornpipe” from Handel’s Water Music.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired My Name is Handel activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: My Name is Handel.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
In this story the lazy apprentice, confident that he can use his master’s spell to do his chores, chants the magic spell and takes a nap. As the water swirls around the workshop getting ever higher, the apprentice awakens, only to discover that he does not know the spell to stop the brooms! A thrilling narration accompanies Paul Dukas’ dramatic musical score made famous by Walt Disney’s Fantasia. This fun & familiar music was recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (the same orchestra that recorded The Lord of the Rings soundtrack) and features Grammy nominated conductor Stephen Simon and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Sorcerer’s Apprentice activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Maestro Classics presents The Tortoise and the Hare, Aesop’s most beloved fable, set to original music. Composed and conducted by Stephen Simon, this fun score is filled with musical surprises and even features the rarely heard contrabassoon (click here to learn more about the contrabassoon). Performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra, the same orchestra that recorded the soundtrack to The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, this is surely the best Tortoise and the Hare story with music you will ever hear!
The Story: The Hare is certain that with his natural talent and his new running shoes he will win the race. Feeling the hat is in the bag, so to speak, Hare stops at a little French bistro along the route for some French onion soup. Meanwhile, all the small animals in the forest cheer poor, slow Tortoise along, while Hare, who is way out in front, decides to take a nap. The charming musical score, complete with “The Pretzel Vendor of Paris” song, won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award!
The Tortoise and the Hare is LOTS of fun! I really enjoyed the narrated story and music. It’s a great way to introduce young children to classical music. And the Dixieland “Pretzel Vendor of Paris” song is especially fun.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Tortoise and Hare activities here: Montessori-Inspired Activities for The Tortoise and the Hare.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
The Story: Mike Mulligan had a steam shovel named “Mary Ann.” When steam shovels become obsolete, Mike refuses to give up his old friend and together they travel to find one last job. Virginia Lee Burton’s classic American children’s book, a childhood favorite for generations, is brought to life with beautiful new music for orchestra and Irish bagpipes. A tale of loyalty and friendship, perseverance and good ideas, this musical CD featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra is the recipient of numerous awards including a Parents’ Choice Gold Award! After Peter and the Wolf, this is the next musical work all children should know.
This CD is delightful! I always liked the story of Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne. I can’t think of many things more fun than sitting cuddled up on the sofa with kids, looking at the book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel while listening to this CD. I really enjoyed the addition of the Irish bagpipes, which fit perfectly with the story.
“About the Author” by Bonnie Ward Simon is fascinating. I especially enjoyed the “About the Music” track by composer Stephen Simon. Although Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is a book for young children, even adults will have fun learning why Stephen Simon made his choices of instruments.
Bonnie Simon also gives suggestions for actions to accompany the track with music without narration. The CD is recommended for ages 4+, although many 3 year olds would enjoy listening to the narrated music to accompany the book as well as joining in with the actions to the music alone.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel activities here: Montessori-Inspired Activities for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
Casey at the Bat
The Story: When the Mudville Nine are almost certain to lose the game, Mighty Casey takes his turn at bat, and the fans hold their breath as each pitch is thrown…
Why this Casey at the Bat?
Grammy-nominated composer/conductor Stephen Simon created this jazzy, upbeat piece which is just plain fun. Orchestra members double as the cheering crowds, vendors hawking their wares, cheering spectators, complete with the sounds of the ball being hit.
You’ll find Montessori-inspired Casey at the Bat activities here: Montessori-Inspired Activities for Casey at the Bat.
Carnival of the Animals
The Story: American poet Ogden Nash was invited to write a series of humorous animal poems to go with Saint-Saëns’ musical composition.
Lions roar, elephants dance, roosters whistle, and fossils clatter in this brilliant, new child-friendly recording of Carnival of the Animals. (Many people know this music from Disney’s movie Fantasia 2000.) Conductor Stephen Simon with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Young Concert Artists’ winners, pianists Donna Kwong and Wendy Chen give this recording a wonderful, youthful interpretation.
I love introducing poetry to children, and Carnival of the Animals is an especially great way to introduce poetry along with classical music. Ogden Nash poems are used throughout first track in the work for narrator and orchestra. As usual, the London Philharmonic Orchestra makes listening a pleasure even for accomplished musicians.
Young children would enjoy moving like the animals along with the music as well as watching (or, especially, performing) a Carnival of the Animals puppet show using animal puppets. When my children were middle-school age and older, we often listened to CDs as we drove to their sports- or dance activities. Maestro Classics’ Carnival of the Animals is interesting enough to be a perfect travel CD for homeschoolers.
I also found the “About the Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns” track by Bonnie Simon and “About the Music” track by conductor Stephen Simon very interesting. The “About the Music” track is rich with information about the music … telling how it correlates with the animals and explaining how humor is shown throughout.
You’ll find Montessori-Inspired Carnival of the Animals activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Carnival of the Animals.
The Soldier’s Tale
The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat) is Stravinsky’s greatest work for narrator and orchestra. It is the story of a soldier, on leave from the army, who trades his old violin for a magic book that can tell the future and make him rich. He soon discovers, however, that he has made a deal with the devil and that money does not bring happiness.
Juanita la Langosta Española
This delightfully entertaining tale about a rude and overbearing lady lobster who wants to go to the land is brought to life with the London Philharmonic Orchestra as it blends musical styles and the story’s themes of hubris, dreams, and determination. Includes a 24-page activity book!
Juanita, la langosta española is the Spanish language edition of Maestro classics’ Juanita the Spanish Lobster (click here for the English edition) translated by renowned author/children’s book translator Yanitzia Canetti (Dr. Seuss, Curious George, etc.) and narrated by Rosi Amador, the lead singer in the award winning Latin ensemble Sol y Canto.
You’ll find Montessori-Inspired Juanita the Spanish Lobster activities here: Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Juanita the Spanish Lobster (Juanita la Langosta Española) Activities.
Merry Pranks of Master Till
The Story: Till is a very clever young man, perhaps too clever for his own good. He plays tricks on people to show them that they may not be as high and mighty as they think. Twisting the words of professors and bakers, tailors and priests, he travels the countryside. In the end, however, Till discovers that the world has little patience for his antics. These medieval tales are true social commentary.
The Nutcracker
The Story: It’s Christmas eve and Clara and Fritz’s parents are throwing their annual holiday party. The mysterious guest, the toymaker Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives with life-size dancing dolls to entertain the family and their guests, but he saves his most special gift for his god-daughter Clara, a nutcracker doll. That night, the tree begins to grow, the toy soldiers and the Mouse King have a battle, and Clara’s nutcracker turns into a handsome prince. This child-friendly adaptation of the complete ballet score is given a beautiful retelling of the story by Jim Weiss, America’s premiere storyteller.
More about the Maestro Classics Albums:
The MP3s typically follow the same format:
- A work for narrator and orchestra with the music and story equally important.
- Information about the life and times of the work and composer.
- Introduction of a new musical genre in which the theme from the title track is transformed into jazz, folk, Dixieland, or another style.
- The conductor talking about what to listen for in the music with musical examples.
- The opportunity to listen again with or without narration (and to realize just how much you’ve learned).
- A play-along, sing-along, or dance-along track. These are very creative and fun.
Maestro Classics on Pinterest
Are you following Maestro Classics on Pinterest? You’ll find lots of great music-related pins. Maestro Classics has pinboards with many general-education pins as well. Definitely worth following! Be sure to check out the Pinterest-related entries on the Rafflecopter form. There are even some optional entries you can make daily! 
More about Maestro Classics
Products: In addition to individual CDS for $16.97 each and MP3 downloads for $9.98 each, check out the Complete Collection!
At the Maestro Classics site, you’ll find free educational materials.
There’s a Music & Life page with ideas for including music in your family life, whether or not you have music experience.
There’s are musical puzzles and games for kids with more fun with music, puzzles, games, and activity book answers.
Along with Pinterest, you can follow Maestro Classics on Facebook and Twitter. (There’ll be optional entries for those on the Rafflecopter form.)
Now for the Giveaway:
What You Will Win: 1 very lucky winner from the U.S. will win the 12-CD Collection worth $150!!! There’s a worldwide option! If the winner is from outside the U.S., the winner will receive downloads of the 12 MP3s and PDF booklets!
Who is Eligible:
This giveaway is open to anyone 18 and older worldwide. The first entry is mandatory. You must leave a blog post comment telling why you want to win the Maestro Classics 12-CD or MP3/PDF Collection (and be sure to click “I COMMENTED” on the Rafflecopter form to let me know you left your blog post comment and to open up the optional entries)!
After you’ve completed your mandatory entry, there are lots of optional entries. You have many chances to win! (Note: For the extra entries, you may count ways of following that you already do. For example, if you previously followed @DebChitwood on Twitter, you may still count that for your follow @DebChitwood on Twitter entry!)
You must complete the Mandatory Entry to qualify for any additional entries. The giveaway closes 9:00pm PST on Wednesday, April 27. Best of luck!
It’s easy to enter giveaways with Rafflecopter! Just follow the directions to enter.If you still have questions about the Rafflecopter form, here’s a 52-second video with quick directions for entering through Rafflecopter. (Note: If this form doesn’t work for you, you can also sign up on the Rafflecopter form at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page. Just be sure to leave your blog comment here!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
UPDATE:
It’s Thursday morning, April 28. I really appreciated the 2,565 entries! A winner has been selected using Random.org through Rafflecopter!
The winner of the Maestro Classics 12-CD Collection for Kids is Sarah L! I’m so happy for Sarah! (Note: Sarah, you have 48 hours to respond to my email, or a new winner will be chosen.)
The comment for Sarah’s mandatory entry (why she wanted to win the the Maestro Classics Collection) said:
“I would love to win the CDs to add to our homeschool curriculum. My daughter loves music, and I have been looking for a good way to introduce more classical music to her.”
CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah!!! A HUGE THANK YOU to Maestro Classics for sponsoring this fun giveaway – and thank you to everyone who entered! Be sure to watch for your newsletter this Sunday to see a special deal from Maestro Classics!
And, always, thanks so much to all my blog sponsors!
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Stopped by the website again. Discovered they have won over 50 awards.
Another CD I would love to listen to is Peter and the Wolf.
I would be interested in listening to Carnival of the Animals.
I would love to listen to Peter and the wolf in particular I love spoken word music.