Musical Toys Spotlight
By Rachael Mercer, Paul Paterson and Marjorie Wertz
November 1, 2002

Sing Along Music Mat

Ages 3 to 8

Sing Along Music Mat by The Learning Journey
Tap out a tune, skip out a symphony or walk out a waltz by selecting an instrument and using the colorful touch sensitive keyboard on the mat. There’s a microphone and songbook for singing and playing along and the mat is programmed for nine well-known nursery rhymes. Ages: 3 and up, $29.99

Musini by Neurosmith

Musini by Neurosmith
Neurosmith's new Musini utilizes a patented MagicSensor that converts your toddler's energy into music. As the child starts to move, Musini detects the vibrations and turns each motion into creative musical compositions. The unit features five different musical styles and four separate settings for each style. Since its release in September, Musini has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and was selected as a “Top 10 High Tech Toy” by Dr. Toy. Add-on cartridges for expanded musical content are available. Ages: 3 and up, $70

Junior Grand Piano by First Act

Junior Grand Piano by First Act
This handsome, all wood instrument features 30 true-to-note keys (2 ½ octaves), a music holder, wooden stool and a laquered ebony finish. Ages: 3 to 8, $99.00

Boomwhackers by Whacky Music Inc.

Ages 9 to 12

Boomwhackers by Whacky Music Inc.
Boomwhackers are brightly colored plastic tubes tuned by length to musical notes. They come as five different sets, combining four of the five creates two full chromatic octaves. Anyone can play them and even pro musicians think they're a blast! Whack just about anything and you're making music. Awards from Parents Choice, Dr. Toy and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. All Ages, $16.98 to $44.98

Kid’s Electric Guitar by Woodstock Percussion

The WavDJ from Oregon Scientific
A compact home audio creation station, the WavDJ lets the older child enter the world of audio as a DJ, Composer, Performer or Producer. Record a rap or modify jazz, rock, pop and classical music, adding voice, keyboard riffs, drum rhythms and scratch sounds to complete your track. Then send the file to friends via the PC or post it on the official WavDJ.com website. The WavDJ comes with a CD of hundreds of sounds, a headset with a built-in microphone, PC connection cables and an additional headphone outlet. Several PC system requirements. Ages 9 and up, $119.00

Kid’s Electric Guitar by Woodstock Percussion
Actually a real electric guitar, this small bodied instrument boasts a built in amp and speaker, jacks for headphones and an external amplifier, a headphone jack, instructions, a strap and a pick. Ages: 6 and up, $150.00

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RELATED LINKS:

Industry Overview: Music and Toys
Product Summary:
   Musical CD's, Cassettes, Videos and DVD's for the Younger Set
   Musical Toys Spotlight
   Nothing Like The Real Thing, Baby
What the Experts Say: PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM