The Story Orchestra: I Can Play, Volume 7
Volume: The Story Orchestra: I Can Play is an illustrated sound book that introduces children to eight short classical melodies through a color- and shape-coded, 14-key page keyboard. Its one-finger, eight-bar arrangements are designed as an accessible first music-making activity, rather than a full piano lesson.
At a glance
- Eight named tunes include music from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Carnival of the Animals and The Four Seasons.
- The page keys use color and shape codes to guide simple one-finger playing.
- Illustrations and story descriptions accompany the music, with playing tips for each song.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The coded keys and short melodies give young children a low-complexity way to try playing recognizable classical tunes.
- Combines music excerpts with illustrations and story context, so it offers more than a sequence of sound buttons.
Cons
- The one-finger, eight-bar format is an introductory activity, not a comprehensive piano-learning method.
Technical specifications
14 specifications| Publisher | Frances Lincoln Children's Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 4, 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 16 pages |
| Reading age | 3 - 6 years, from customers |
| Grade level | Preschool - 2 |
| Melodies to play | 8 easy pieces |
|---|---|
| Keyboard keys | 14 keys |
| Arrangement format | 8-bar, one-finger melodies |
| Audio excerpts | 10 excerpts from the score |
| Weight listed | 2.31 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.75 x 0.32 x 12.35 inches |
| ISBN-10 | 0711264910 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0711264915 |
What to know before buying
- The listing says to press firmly on the pages to activate the keys and recommends playing the original piece first to help children learn its pacing. Customer feedback also reports that the book or buttons sometimes do not work or respond reliably.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Young children beginning to explore music and classical melodies with an adult.
- Families looking for a picture book that pairs short music excerpts with hands-on playing.
Less suited to
- Learners seeking conventional notation, structured piano lessons or a substantial practice method.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
78% 78% - 4 stars
8% 8% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
6% 6%
Customer feedback appreciates the accessible visual approach and enjoyable concept, with comments describing it as fun for children. Opinions on song selection are mixed. Some customers report that the book does not work or that its buttons respond poorly. That matters because the activity depends on pressing the page keys, so reported functionality concerns could interrupt the intended hands-on playing experience.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the concept as accessible and enjoyable for children.
Negative themes
- Some customers report that the book does not work or that the buttons are unresponsive.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on the song selection is mixed, including both curriculum relevance and disappointment.
Frequently asked questions
What can a child play in this book?
The listing describes eight short, one-finger melodies, including selections from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Carnival of the Animals and The Four Seasons.
How do the page keys work?
The keys are marked with color and shape codes. The listing instructs readers to press firmly on the pages to activate them.
Is this a complete piano course?
No. Its described arrangements are simple eight-bar, one-finger melodies, making it an introductory music activity rather than a full piano course.
What do customers say about it?
Feedback praises the accessible concept and enjoyable content, but song selection receives mixed reactions and some customers report functionality or button-response problems.
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