Classics for Kids

MusicMusic AppreciationHistoryMusic History
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Classics for Kids" was initiated by Naomi Lewin, a former opera singer turned classical music radio announcer, who sought to enrich the lives of children through classical music education. The program began in 1998 under the banner of Cincinnati Public Radio, responding to the decline of classical music in school curricula. Lewin's dedication to making classical music accessible and engaging for children, combined with her extensive musical and educational background, has enabled the program to evolve into a comprehensive educational resource​ (Classics for Kids)​​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special "Classics for Kids" stands out due to its multifaceted approach to music education. It not only provides historical insights into the lives of composers but also integrates musical theory through interactive games and quizzes available on its website. The program's unique format, which includes a weekly radio show and downloadable podcasts, ensures that it caters to a wide audience, making classical music relatable and enjoyable for kids and adults alike​ (Classics for Kids)​.

How to Get Started To begin using "Classics for Kids" in a homeschool setting, one simply needs to access their website where a variety of resources are freely available. This includes musical games, activity sheets, and podcasts which feature educational content about different composers and musical concepts. It's designed to be an "open and go" resource with minimal preparation required from parents, making it ideal for busy homeschooling families​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Educational Content and Coverage The program covers a broad spectrum of musical content:

  • Biographical stories of classical composers

  • Musical terms and theory

  • Interactive quizzes and games

  • Worksheets that reinforce musical concepts

  • Podcasts that explore famous pieces of music

What’s Good About It Users appreciate the program's ability to make classical music accessible and engaging. The interactive components like quizzes and games make learning fun and effective. Parents have noted that their children are more interested in exploring music further due to the engaging storytelling and activities provided by "Classics for Kids"​ (Classics for Kids)​​ ((no title))​.

Areas for Improvement While highly praised, some feedback suggests that the program could expand its repertoire to include more diverse musical traditions and modern pieces to complement its classical roots. Additionally, more frequent updates to its interactive games and activities could enhance user engagement​ ((no title))​​ ((no title))​.

Advice from Parents Parents recommend integrating "Classics for Kids" into daily learning schedules to build a consistent and enriching musical education experience. They suggest pairing the podcast listening with practical activities like playing an instrument or composing music as a way to deepen the learning and make it more hands-on​ ((no title))​.

Ideal Fit "Classics for Kids" is particularly well-suited for young learners from kindergarten through middle school who are new to music or those who have a burgeoning interest in classical music. It's also ideal for parents looking for a structured yet flexible curriculum that supports music education without requiring extensive prior knowledge​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Not a Fit For This program might not fully meet the needs of advanced music students who are looking for in-depth technical training or a wide variety of music genres beyond the classical scope​ ((no title))​.

Grades Covered Kindergarten to Grade 5, with materials that can appeal to older students as well​ (Apple)​.

Cost "Classics for Kids" is a free resource, making it an economical option for homeschooling families​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Ways to Access All materials and programs are available online through their official website, making it easily accessible from anywhere​ (Classics for Kids)​.

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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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