YolanDa Brown inspires next generation of musicians with new book from Hal Leonard Europe
Hattie Fisk
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Musician and music education figure YolanDa Brown is encouraging children to take an interest in music with her new book The ABCs of Music: My First Music Book, published by Hal Leonard Europe (HLE).
The new book aims to provide an accessible, fun and informed introduction to music for children aged 6 – 11. The text introduces children to different instruments and genres of music through creative exercises and playlists, encouraging young musicians to express their emotions and feelings through the creative medium.
The ABCs of Music also features exclusive educational songs by YolanDa Brown, providing children with the opportunity to perform alongside recordings of the musician and her band. The writer covers the basics in musical literacy and composition, as well as the essential skills of listening, fact-finding, discovery and playing.
Heavily involved in the world of music education, YolanDa Brown is an award-winning musician, broadcaster, author and philanthropist, known for her recognisable fusion of reggae, jazz and soul. She is chair of Youth Music, and has sat on various music education panels; most recently she had been invited by the government to sit on an advisory board for the National Plan for Music Education.
Brown says: ‘I am extremely proud to have written a book that provides children with an introduction to music and the magic that comes with it. Every child should have access to music, the sounds, genres, instruments and all its wonderful benefits. I would like this book to play a part in introducing a musical world full of joyous learning and discovery to many generations of children.’
‘We are thrilled to be working with YolanDa Brown and to publish The ABCs of Music’ says Tom Farncombe, business development director at Hal Leonard. ‘Hal Leonard Europe's vision is for life-long music making for everyone, and YolanDa has created a fantastic book to help start children on their musical journey. The ABCs of Music introduces the rudiments of notation via fun activities and vibrant, inclusive playlists featuring a diverse range of musical styles from afrobeats to musical theatre a brilliant way to inspire young music makers!’
The book was published on 1 September 2021, and is available to purchase now.
