LOS ANGELES — Since 2008, music and arts programs have been removed from many public schools across the U.S., due to budget cuts, primarily affecting the underprivileged communities. “Big Brain, Little Hands” offers a fun step-by-step guide for parents and teachers with or without musical and artistic training, to interact with the children and help them create new neural connections. Suzanne Medici believes that most of the books that teach music or arts are written for professionals, and they are not designed for kids to hold and observe since they do not include stories and illustrations. This book is for everybody. It facilitates the building blocks for children’s first musical and artistic experiences which otherwise, in many districts, could only be accessed through private lessons.
“Big Brain, Little Hands: How to Develop Children’s Musical Skills through Songs, Arts, and Crafts” (published by Balboa Press) is a unique compilation of arts centered on music written in five progressive modules. It presents original stories, songs, musical activities, illustrations, dance, instrument building, videos with recorded soundtrack, crafts, and even a bit of acting, which are meant to be presented and explained by an adult. Through songs and stories, this book strongly emphasizes concepts like equality, acceptance, unity, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.
“This book will appeal to children because it is full of illustrations, stories, games, and activities that have always been a big hit with the little ones. It will also appeal to teachers, parents, educators, and music therapists, because it is an all-inclusive program that doesn’t require musical or artistic training, or having to search for extra resources,” Medici says.
“This book effortlessly traverses so many wonderful ideas-musical basics (both melodic and rhythmic), cultural awareness, appreciation of the natural world, movement, dance, and even instrument building…all while keeping it FUN. Suzanne’s vast experience as an artist and music teacher with young children has contributed greatly to how accessible and functional this book can be for teachers and parents alike, and especially for the lucky kid on the receiving end of it. I truly believe this will bring enormous pleasure and understanding to all who employ it.”
—Jay Gruska, multiple award-winning composer and songwriter – jaygruska.com
When asked what she wants readers to take away from the book, Medici answers, “I want my readers to learn basic musical skills in a holistic way, in which the arts emphasize the musical experience. I want them to develop new neural connections as they learn basic musical concepts and skills that once grasped, will remain for life.”
