Hit it, Maestro! (LeapPad Learning System)

HIT IT, MAESTRO!-- a book/software package for the LeapPad Learning Systems --introduces children to classical music through interactive games and activities. It plays on Leapfrog's LeapPad, LeapPad Plus, and Quantum Pad Learning Systems and is appropriate for children age 7 and older.

As kids interact with pictures and words on the pages with their stylus, they are surrounded by audio information and music. By touching pictures of musical instruments, kids learn the instruments' names and the sounds they make. They explore the concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, counterpoint, and theme by listening to a musical example of each. Thirteen of the most famous composers appear on the pages and talk to players.

This book/software is particularly fun for families to explore together. My family really enjoyed playing the game that relates to the history of classical music. The game plays a piece from a composer, and then challenges listeners to identify the composer. It provides hints by telling you the category of classical music to which the unknown composer belongs.

Hit it, Maestro! is a musical feast for children and adults alike. It encourages everyone to listen to celebrate music and then interact with it, creating a rare, magical learning situation. If you own a LeapPad, don't miss this one! If you don't own a LeapPad, you might want to buy one.