What an amazing concept! Children’s artist/singer-songwriter, Marisa Levenson, takes us alongside her on a musical journey while encouraging kiddos to explore, experiment and discover which instrument(s) is/are for them. This is absolutely brilliant! From choosing their instrument(s) to finding their voices, auditioning for a play, dreaming about becoming a musician, facing stage fright, and so much more.
What makes Which Instrument Is for Me?so special is that it isn’t simply an album about learning music; it’s about finding your voice, building confidence, trying new things, managing those big feelings that come with performing and discovering who you are as a budding musician. What a brilliant way to introduce children to music while encouraging them to explore their own musical pathways.
Marisa Levenson of Young Folkies with the three instruments featured in her musical journey: piano, ukulele and guitar.
Marisa Levenson performs with London-based folk rock band The Common Earth.Marisa Levenson at two years old, beginning her musical journey at the piano.Marisa Levenson performs with her acoustic guitar during an early stage performance.
Every musician is called to a certain instrument, and sometimes even several. This song describes Marisa’s own experience of discovering which three instruments were calling her. I love this because it encourages children to discover what feels right for them. Sometimes that connection happens right away, and sometimes finding the right one(s) is a process. There is no need to rush this because exploring different choices and discovering what speaks to each of us is all part of this special and personal journey. This is such an important message to give to our kiddos to take the pressure off of music while allowing them to just explore and experiment on their own terms.
Finding My Voice
Every singer knows what it feels like to have your voice stuck in your throat when you need to find it most. I love that this song is written as a show tune. It really creates the feeling of auditioning for the part you’ve always wanted and captures all of the stress, anticipation and nerves that come along with this. For children, this is such a relatable way to explore what happens when we really want something but suddenly feel nervous or unsure of ourselves. Finding your voice isn’t always just about singing, it can also be about finding the confidence to let your voice be heard.
Today, Tonight, Tomorrow
Having big dreams of becoming what you know you are destined to be isn’t an easy path. But when that dream feels this real and this deep, it can’t easily be shaken. That’s when we need to look deep within ourselves and find the opportunities that are waiting for us along the way. I believe every artist goes through this in some way. I love the title of this song because we never know when it will happen for us. The line “just wait and see” is beautiful. Wait and see when, not if, this is the message to share with children. And starting this song with the rubber band guitar? So poignant and relatable to every musician who develop their craft sitting on their bed or desk chair. It brings us right back to the beginning of our musical journeys and reminds us that big dreams can start with something very small.
Singing In My Room
How many amazing artists started off by singing in their room? Before there was an audience, a stage or even the confidence to perform for others, there was simply a child singing because they loved to sing. This is where it all starts, Today, Tonight and Tomorrow. I love that this song reminds children that their musical journey doesn’t have to begin on a stage. It can begin right where they are, simply exploring their voice, having fun and dreaming about where that voice might take them. And not every child who loves to sing has to do so on stage which is another message we can share with them. They also can sing harmony if they don’t want to lead so there are so many ways to support kids and their music, whether they have big dreams or simply love to have music as part of voice.
Talent Show (In The Spotlight)
This song is an important depiction of how much self-regulation it takes to put yourself in the talent show spotlight as a child or teen. On top of the regular peer pressure, making yourself this vulnerable at such a tender age is not easy, but it can be an important part of finding your confidence and learning to put yourself out there. Getting up in front of your peers and performing takes courage. There are nerves, excitement, anticipation and all those big feelings that come with knowing everyone is watching you. Learning how to manage those feelings while still stepping onto the stage is an important part of a young musician’s journey. Another wonderful song to open meaningful conversations with your kiddos about confidence, vulnerability, self-regulation and supporting their own musical journey. And if your kids want to perform, this is a beautiful song to help prepare them emotionally.
Oh, Ukulele!
How adorable! I love the analogy of the place the ukulele holds in music. Oh, Ukulele!, you may be small, but you have a big cheery voice to share with us! I love this because this is exactly how I see the ukulele. It may be a baby in its family of instruments, but its definitely one of my favourite instruments for kids’ music! Small in size, but filled with so much potential, just like our kiddos!
Piane Forte
What a brilliant way to explore music dynamics with kids! This song paints a musical picture of how music theory works across different genres, making something that can sometimes feel complex much more approachable and fun. There is so much room in this song for music, movement and exploration. I can imagine children moving to the dynamics in this song and beginning to understand how those changes can completely transform the way the song feels. I also love the opportunity to introduce children to music composers and contemporary artists along the way. What an amazing opportunity to explore music theory while encouraging curiosity and a deeper appreciation for music!
Which Instrument Is For Me (Reprise)
Featuring Susie Tallman & Stacey Peasley
I absolutely love how Marisa ended this soundtrack with a reprise where she chooses her three instruments: 1. guitar, 2. ukulele and 3. piano. This wraps up this musical journey so brilliantly! After exploring, experimenting and discovering what speaks to her, we finally arrive at the answer to the question that started it all: Which instrument is for me? It’s such a wonderful reminder for children that discovering your musical voice is a journey. They might try several instruments along the way before finding the ones that feels right for them. And once they find it, that’s when the magic will begin as they learn to truly connect with it!
Thank you Marisa and The Young Folkies for reaching out to us and inviting us to review your latest album. It was an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to share this soundtrack in my own music classes with kiddos of all ages and musical stages!
Marisa’s original “Kindie” music promotes social and emotional awareness and is enjoyed by both children and adults. It’s the 3rd album for the Young Folkies.
MORE ABOUT MARISA
Marisa Levenson is originally from Boston, MA in the US and has been living in London, UK for many years. She was in London-based folk rock band, “The Common Earth” as singer/songwriter/guitarist and started Young Folkies in 2018 when her daughter was 2 (she now has a son too!). Her kids have been the main inspiration for her children’s music. She released her debut Young Folkies album, “Be You,” in 2019 and her second album, “Will You Sing with Me?” in August 2023, which was up for GRAMMY consideration. She is also a voting member of The Recording Academy and Ivor’s Academy. “Which Instrument Is for Me?” will be submitted for GRAMMY consideration this year.
We hope you enjoyed this story and look forward to introducing you to many many children’s artist andclassroom guestsin our Early Learning Directory!
Follow Marisa and The Young Folkies here to stream this beautiful children’s album and learn about more of her amazing musical adventures that combine fun concepts and social-emotional learning opportunities!
