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At Classical Clips, we’re passionate about sharing the joy of classical music with the next generation! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, we’ve put together a playlist for you of our top recommendations for kids. These pieces are fun and engaging, using story-telling and vivid imagery to captivate listeners of all ages.

  1. The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns
    This playful suite features fourteen movements depicting different animals, like chickens, lions, elephants, and kangaroos! It’s full of humor and imagination. I highly recommend this video of the entire suite that has corresponding videography of the animals to watch while listening.
  2. Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev
    This musical tale uses different instruments to represent characters in a story. The flute is the bird, the clarinet is the cat, the strings represent Peter, etc. It’s an engaging introduction to the orchestra. Click here to watch.
  3. The Nutcracker Suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
    Typically associated with the holidays, this ballet music is magical and has delighted kids for over a hundred years. The full ballet can be viewed here.
  4. Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
    This lively and fast-paced piece sounds just like a buzzing bee! It’s a fun (and short!) work that fascinates children with its speed and exuberance. Originally written for piano, it’s incredibly fun on other instruments as well!
  5. In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg
    This piece starts soft and sneaky, then grows louder and faster, creating a thrilling experience that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Click here to enjoy!
  6. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Simple and delightful, this cheerful piece is a great introduction to classical music for kids. The entire work can be found here, or if you’re looking for something shorter, here’s the first movement, performed by kids!
  7. The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
    In this collection of violin concertos, each movement represents a different season, from the chirping birds of spring to the icy winds of winter. It’s a vivid and exciting way to connect nature and music. Click here to watch the full work performed on period instruments, or enjoy these individual movements played by kids: Presto from Summer, Allegro from Spring, Allegro from Winter.
  8. The Planets: Jupiter by Gustav Holst
    This movement from Holst’s magnificent work, “The Planets,” is bright, majestic, and exciting enough to keep the attention of small children.
  9. Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Benjamin Britten
    This piece introduces the instruments of the orchestra, showcasing their unique sounds. This video by the New Jersey Symphony is both educational and entertaining!
  10. William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini
    The animated finale of this overture is famously known as the “Lone Ranger” theme. It’s full of energy and excitement that will grab kids’ attention right away. Here’s the link to a good performance.

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you teach children about classical music, the best-selling A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra by Robert Levine (sponsored) is a fabulous option for the elementary ages. If your kids are a little younger, The Story Orchestra (also sponsored) books are fun, interactive and educational!

Happy listening, and thanks for joining us on the journey to share great music with our kids!

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