July 2009 New Specialty Toys — Music

Inspired by the beauty of a full-size concert grand, Schoenhut® Piano Company offers this exquisite miniature 37-key replica. Complete with opening top to release the lovely chime-like tones, this smaller version is designed for a child with serious musical aspirations. Each piano in the series is custom built from solid maple and ½-inch multi-ply birch, stained in mahogany or painted in your choice of white or black, with the interior hand finished to match the selected exterior. The hinge is designed to raise and lower gradually, so as not to slam down on little fingers. Chromatically tuned, the sound is produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods.Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. Available in Mahogany, Black or White.

This 20-song CD includes original songwriting by Charlie Hope. Themes include positive approaches to naptime, learning about the joys of having a new child in the family, and discovering the limitless possibilities we all have inside of us. It comes in eco-friendly packaging. It features "melodic music that is appealing to both parents and children, from an independent singer/songwriter," Margaret Wilson, president of Challenge & Fun, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2009.
― This is one of the most popular CDs at Kazoodles, in Vancouver, Wash., said owner Mary Sisson.

The Monsterbooks are illustrated rhyming books for all generations. The books were created as a response to parents' desire for books to read to their children that adults can also enjoy. They draw upon themes that resonate with adults, including the Beatles, presidential politics and baseball. Launch date: June 2009.

Featuring authentic cultural styles, original compositions and fun sing-a-long songs, the album helps parents nurture cultural awareness in their children by exploring new rhythms and musical genres from around the world. The CD includes the Global Wonders Theme Song ("A Great Big World") featuring a catchy sing-along chorus with layers of instruments from eight different countries, including an Indian sitar, Australian didgeridoo, Japanese koto, a Ghana log drum and a Scottish bagpipe. In "Global Wonders Hello," children are introduced to words and phrases to say “Hello” in 10 different languages. Launch date: June 2009.

This DVD includes six award-winning music videos, a 45-minute live concert, six karaoke videos, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes "Film 101" documentary, and a bonus 45-minute live audio concert CD. Launch date: September 29, 2009.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2009 Independent Music Awards Best DVD of the Year

This could be a first guitar for kids and a travel guitar for players of all ages. It includes eight dot position inlays, 1/4 pin pickup, and a silkscreen logo. No assembly is required. Launch date: August 2009.

This album boasts a collection of food-themed songs from around the world. Launch date: July 28, 2009.

Now, teaching music history is easy for teachers and fun for students. "The Right Notes" music assignment book teaches music history for instructors, freeing up their valuable time for lessons. A weekly practice chart helps keep track of practice time. The 9" X 12" pages give ample room for writing weekly notes. Each notebook lasts a year. A completed "The Right Notes" music assignment book can also act as a lasting record of a student's progress. Click here to watch publishers' 2-year-old exhibiting her musical knowledge. Launch date: January 2009.

Featuring a performance by Tony-nominated actress Sharon McKnight, this accompaniment CD allows children to sing along with the music of the Disney Broadway musical. In addition to well-known songs from the animated movie, new songs were added by composer Alan Menken. Two versions of each song are provided; the student can learn the song by singing along with guide-vocals, then practice on their own by singing with the accompaniment tracks. It was named a Top Ten Cast Album of 2008 by TalkinBroadway.com. "All songs are fully-orchestrated and recorded in the original show key — ideal for Broadway fans. [It] works well as a learning tool when paired with the sheet music," Malinda, marketing director at Stage Stars Records, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.