“Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.” ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

The music of Beethoven has spoken to listeners for nearly 250 years. His symphonies, sonatas, concertos, chamber music, and MORE have gained him the reputation as one of the most important composers in history - if not THE most important composer in history.

Giving our children a knowledge of the life, times, and music of Beethoven is a gift they will carry their entire lives. It will build an appreciation and love for music that will stay with them forever.

Additionally, Beethoven was a ground-breaker, not only in music -but culture in general. Beethoven's music takes us from the Classical style, full of balance, form and control - to the Romantic style, full of emotion and much less restraint.

Children’s Books About Beethoven

Children learn so much through stories. Quality stories of the composers give us a glimpse into the life and times behind the music.

Beethoven certainly had a colorful life (to say the least), and stories about him are engaging, funny, and often sad. It is good for our children to see the many facets of the composer, and to understand what drove him to write so many beautiful masterpieces.

• Beethoven: The Story of a Little Boy Who Was Forced to Practice (Free ebook download!)

• Ludwig Beethoven and the Chiming Tower Bells (an Opal Wheeler biography - among our very favorites!)

• Famous Children: Beethoven

• Ludwig van Beethoven - Getting to Know The World’s Greatest Composers

• Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

• Beethoven For Kids: His Life and Music with 21 Activities

• Beethoven Lives Upstairs

• Ludwig van Beethoven: A Revolutionary Composer (Rookie Biographies)

   

Movies About Beethoven

• Beethoven Lives Upstairs (watch free online)

• Beethoven’s Eroica (watch free online - make sure to preview WITH your children)

• Keeping Score: Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony (a full-length documentary - probably best enjoyed by adults)

Download and print this picture of Beethoven to include your SQUILT binder - or just to put up in your schoolroom as you are learning about Beethoven!

Online Resources to Learn About Beethoven 

• Illustrating History - Beethoven

• Classics for Kids - Ludwig van Beethoven

• Beethoven Biography at Biography.com

• Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Ludwig van Beethoven

• Beethoven’s Wig Animated Music Video

• SQUILT Music Volume 2: Classical Era (features a lesson about Beethoven)

Favorite Beethoven Recordings

One of the easiest ways to expose our children to the music of Beethoven is just to play the music everywhere and often! Use these recordings to help:

• Beethoven Lives Upstairs (free streaming with Amazon Prime)

• The Best of Beethoven (free streaming with Amazon Prime)

• 50 Must-Have Beethoven Masterpieces (free streaming with Amazon Prime)

• Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (free streaming with Amazon Prime)

And of course, the best way to learn about a composer’s music is to LISTEN. This video should give you enough to listen to for a while!

 Learn More About Beethoven:

 SQUILT Volume 2: The Classical Era offers three engaging lessons about Beethoven's music - along with 7 other lessons about Classical Era pieces. This is the perfect way to introduce your children to the life and times of Beethoven and his contemporaries.