The Book Songs Workshop is an interdisciplinary educational program that infuses spaces of learning with the power of music! Launched in 2023 by Dr. Matthew Roy, this program combines music, literature, and language arts to foster analytical skills, creative thinking, and musical performance in young people. There are four steps involved in the experience of making a Book Song:
First, we start with a book. It could be a short picture book read right then and there in the classroom, or it could be a longer series or novel that the students have all read over a longer time period.
After that, we brainstorm. Together we take time to analyze the book as I draw attention to a particular picture, theme, or reference, and then present students with a guiding question that is meant to invite personal and creative reflections.
Then, we compose a song. Using the student’s brainstorm ideas as a springboard, I craft a poetic structure, add a musical framework using some kind of chordal instrument, and make a melody. In live time the students then learn to sing our collaborative artwork by ear.
Lastly, we record our song and post it for friends and family to enjoy.
Over the years Dr. Roy has made Book Songs with a wide range of students, from TK to sixth grade, general education to special education. On this page you will find links to some of the recordings of Book Songs done at schools and libraries, as well as pieces developed in collaboration with my children and extended family. Take some time to listen to a recording of your own song or hear one made by other students like you. Enjoy!
Unstoppable
Ms. Locke’s 4th Grade Class
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Incognito!
Ms. Sgambati’s 4th Grade Class
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Traveling, Traveling
Ms. Hammond’s 3rd Grade Class
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What’s On My Plate?
Ms. Kelly’s K-3rd SDC Class
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Through Obstacles to Home
Ms. Saylor’s 3rd Grade Class
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Overcoming Our Fears
Ms. Henshaw’s 1st Grade Class
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Moving and Shaking
Ms. Hammond’s 3rd Grade Class
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We are Singing a Song!
Ms. Duncan’s K-3rd SDC Class
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Resonate
Mr. McGar’s 6th Grade Class
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Figuring It Out
Mr. Coverick’s 6th Grade Class
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Home Sweet Home
Ms. Harris’ 5th Grade Class
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Protectors
Ms. Floyd’s 5th Grade Class
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The Best of Plans
Ms. Calafiore’s K Class
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Keep the Sky Blue
Ms. Rieger’s 4th Grade Class
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Brave Dreams
Mr. Robinson’s 2nd Grade Class
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Jump, Jump, Jump
Ms. Craven’s 2nd Grade Class
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I’ll Remember
Ms. Gee’s 3rd Grade Class
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The Perfect Party
Ms. Levy’s 3rd Grade Class
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Musicanimals
Ms. Borchardt’s / Ms. Aguirre’s 1st Grade Classes
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Sweet Little Pluto
Penelope & Felix Roy
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Wacky
Ms. Hammond’s 3rd Grade Class
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Nature, Oh Nature
Ms. Shimazu’s / Ms. Mascari’s 4th Grade Classes
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Stuck Up a Tree
Ms. Nichols’ TK Class
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The Noble House of Dendall
Ms. Dendall’s 4th Grade Class
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Stand Up
Ms. Nethaway’s 4th Grade Class
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I’m Gonna be Brave,
I’m Gonna be Cautious
Ms. York’s 1st Grade Class
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Caring for Animals
Ms. Foster’s SAI K-4th Grade Class
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Summers with You
Ms. Neff’s 4th Grade Class
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Shine So Bright
Ms. Hark-Cunha’s TK-3rd SPED Class
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One Thing Leads to Another
Ms. Harris’ 4th-6th SDC Class
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This or That
Viper Room TK-K SDC Class
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Lookin’ Good
Ms. Kelly’s K-3rd SDC Class
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Making Relationships
Ms. Byers’ 6th Grade Class
Listen Now!
My Tool Box
Ms. Arthur’s 5th Grade Class
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Don’t Eat Friends
Ms. Scales’ 4th Grade Class
Listen Now!
Inspiration
Ms. Holme’s 4th Grade Class
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Under the Weather
Ms. Mergens’ 2nd Grade Class
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Building the Future
Ms. Jordan’s 3rd Grade Class
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The Friend Anthem
Ms. Ragasa’s / Ms. Reid’s K Classes
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Favorite Clothes
Ms. Lane’s / Ms. Hollenback’s 1st Grade Classes
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The Witch’s Broom
Family Dinner
Listen Now!
How Will We Get There?
Ms. Sewell’s 5th Grade Class
Listen Now!
You May Love It, You May Hate It
Ms. Prekages’ 5th Grade Class
Listen Now!
Gibberish [Russian]
Ms. Jones’ K Class
Listen Now!
I Like Animals
Ms. Hark-Cunha’s TK-3rd SPED Class
Listen Now!
So Many Different Kinds of Bread
Ms. Benson’s 4th-5th Grade Class
Listen Now!
Out of the Box Imagination
Ms. Penney’s Kindergarten Class
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Accommodating a Giant
Ms. Pabalate’s 2nd Grade Class
Listen Now!
Time to Shine
Ms. Guirguis’ 2nd-3rd Grade Class
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Get Well Soon
Ms. Neff’s 4th Grade Class
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Eating the Rainbow
Ms. Smith’s TK Class
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All the Foods
Mr. McAlaster’s 3rd-4th STP Class
Listen Now!
Make It Special
Ms. York’s 1st Grade Class
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Make Some Room
Ms. Harris’ 4th-6th SDC Class
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Animals Everywhere You Look
Ms. Shinn’s 1st-3rd STP Class
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When I Needed It Most
Ms. Barnhart’s 6th Grade Class
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Us to Them and Me to You
Ms. Smith’s 5th Grade Class
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Try Something New
Ms. Tucker’s TK Class
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Unsettled
Mr. Urbanick’s 4th Grade Class
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Quiet Song
Ms. Hinton’s 2nd Grade Class
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The Choice to Share
Ms. Munsill’s K Class
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Changes
Ms. Mitchell’s 3rd Grade Class
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We Can Share: A Dramatic Recitation
Ms. Coat’s TK Class
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Cast a Spell
Ms. Sharer’s 4th Grade Class
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I Won’t Give Up
Ms. Hall’s 4th Grade Class
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Think, Learn, Change
Ms. Hammond’s 3rd Grade Class
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Otis the Kitty
Penelope & Felix Roy
Listen Now!
Our Lantern House
Coming Soon!