Music Storybook Videos for the Elementary Music Classroom – Perfect for Sub Plans
Music storybook videos for elementary music lesson plans. Easy to use and perfect for music sub plans.
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Music storybook videos are a reliable go-to for the elementary music classroom, especially on sub days. These professionally recorded read-alouds allow any substitute teacher to lead a meaningful, music-focused lesson.
This post features a collection of favorite music storybook videos that work well for listening, discussion, and simple follow-up activities. Many of these stories introduce musical instruments, rhythm, creativity, and the role music plays in our lives in ways that are easy for young learners to understand.
Thank you to the talented authors, musicians, and organizations who have narrated and shared these videos for classroom use.
Enjoy!
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Play Me Some Music by Emily Bannnister
Thank you to the Boulder Philharmonic for their Storytime with the Phil video series of music-themed children’s books. In this video, Boulder Phil violinist Veronica Sawarynski narrates Play Me Some Music written by Emily Bannister and illustrated by Julia Woolf. This music storybook introduces a variety of musical instruments and encourages children to engage in making music using “found sounds.”
Max Found Two Sticks by Brian Pinkney
This storybook is another long-time favorite for the elementary music classroom. The Boulder Philharmonic presents Max Found Two Sticks read by DeAunn Davis, Boulder Phil Education Associate and Assistant Principal Horn.
This storybook and video make a perfect introduction to “found” instruments. Are you looking for some fun activities for your elementary music students? Take a peak at the links below.
Edward’s Rhythm Sticks by Franklin Willis
This heart-warming storybook is read by the author and posted by the Nashville Symphony. The repetitive phrases throughout the book provide an opportunity for students to join in.
Thank you to Franklin Willis and the Nashville Symphony.
Because by Mo Willems
It takes MANY people to bring musical performances to fruition. Because by Mo Willems and illustrated by Amber Renis demonstrates how music changes lives. Read by Michael Butterman, Music Director, Boulder Philharmonic.
Dancing Hands by Margarita Engle
Dancing Hands tells the story of Teresa Carreño from Venezuela. Teresa was a child prodigy who played piano for Abraham Lincoln when a revolution forced her family to flee to the United States. She earned the nickname, “The Piano Girl.”
Thank you to Annie’s Workshop for sharing this amazing story.
Your Name Is A Song by Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe reminds us that all of our names are beautiful and to be celebrated. There is history and magic behind names.
Thank you to Ms. Linsmeier’s Music Lab for this beautiful reading of this inspiring story.
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE By Giles Andreae
Poor Gerald! All of the other animals are fabulous dancers. But, he is told, “Giraffes can’t dance.” Once he finds the right song, Gerald proves the other animals wrong.
This motivating story demonstrates a growth mindset. Thank you to Kiddie Funclub for this animated video version of this inspiring story.
Pet of the Met by Lydia and Don Freeman
Musical Storytime with Arizona Opera presents Pet of the Met by Lydia and Don Freeman. This video music storybook is a fun way to introduce your elementary students to opera. This story revolves around some music-loving pets who live at the Metropolitan Opera House and Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Thank you to the Arizona Opera.
Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson
Sometimes children are better listeners than adults. This is the story of world-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell playing in the subway. During the hour that he played there free of charge, only seven people stopped to listen. However, almost all children were attentive and tried to get their parents to stop.
Read aloud by Brian Heard.
The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
Not every musician has to be a huge star on stage. This story teaches children that music enriches lives no matter where and who you play for.
Thanks again to Annie’s Workshop for another moving musical story book video.
TumbleBooks
Does your school have a TumbleBooks subscription? TumbleBooks offers a wide variety of musical storybooks as digital, projectable activities in the elementary music classroom.
For more details and classroom ideas, check out this post:- TumbleBooks for Elementary Music.
Music Storybook Videos Enrich and Inspire
Thank you to the many talented authors, musicians, and organizations who have created and shared these music storybook videos for classroom use. Bookmark this post for those days when you have a few extra minutes in class or need a simple, reliable lesson plan for a music substitute teacher.
Need more ideas for sub days?
👉 Elementary Music Sub Plans
Meet the Author
Terri Lloyd is an experienced music educator with over 25 years of teaching in elementary music classrooms. She holds a Master’s in Education, an Instructional Technology Certificate in Curriculum Design, and a Bachelor of Music. Her resources are designed to help music teachers develop students’ music literacy and performance skills while enjoying learning.
She presents music education workshops, develops curriculum, and writes for her blog. Terri is on the music staff at her church and leads a children’s program. She performs as an active community musician with a local Big Band, pit orchestras, and at various events.