Turn it Up!: A Pitch-Perfect History of Music that Rocked the World
The high notes and biggest moments in music history are covered in this fun compendium, from Bach to the Beatles to Beyonce — and beyond. Many major music genres are playfully explained, from tribal, classical, jazz, folk, opera, rock … all the way to today’s modern forms, such as k-pop, hip-hop, and rap. Instruments and sounds are explored, along with places and events in history that inspired the evolution of music. Kids will also get a sense of music theory, instrumentation, and the artistry of distinctive musical styles. Song recommendations help readers open their ears to what they’ve learned and a rockin’ glossary of musical terms as well as a timeline that plots each genre on its path from ancient history to today make this book one that is bound to top the charts.
MY TAKE
Music is everywhere in our lives. From movies and television to the latest tune on our phones, it’s a great way to push aside the busy world and let the music sooth your soul. TURN IT UP! supplies another much needed dimension with the history component taking center stage.
Six chapters cover different eras from prehistory right up to present day. Within each section are special features that add knowledge, understanding, and connections:
AWESOME INSTRUMENTS highlight those special instruments like the Lute, an early edition of the guitar used during the Renaissance. How about something more modern? You may be familiar with a synthesizer or a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
TUNEFUL TERMS are paragraphs explaining important things you need to know about musical vocabulary.
MUSICAL MASTERS are mini bios of musical greats and why their music matters. No one is left out. From the Baroque period of the 1600s there’s Henry Purcell. Viennese composer Franz Shubert (early 1800s) composed numerous collections of songs and died at just 31 years of age. Groups are also included like The Beach Boys and The Beatles. More familiar names of present day are given their due. Elton John, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Adelle are just a few of the superstar.
BEHIND THE NOTES explore the many worlds connected to music and tells the fascinating stories behind the tunes.
LISTEN UP! provides the name of an essential piece of music that you can look up online.
The colorful hardback is packed with photos that will have readers flipping the pages to see each one. In the back is a Timeline, Glossary, and Further Reading & Resources. This compelling read might even inspire those budding musicians to find their own place in the future world of music. Rock on! And order your copy today.
———————-
Coming up this Monday is another…
Always in the Middle... 
What an awesome book. I would have enjoyed reading this book in my younger years because I studied classical music my entire life — almost majored in music in college. I remember my days of music theory that began in high school. Unfortunately I limited myself to classical, opera and musical theater. I never fully appreciated the other styles (jazz, rock n’ roll, the blues etc) and the popular music of my youth. My education now is in watching The Voice or the new reality program for song writers (last spring). I think this is a book that would benefit both young people and parents — great conversation piece.