Imagine the possibilities of young children listening to musical recordings from around the world for free! We can do just that with access to the Alan Lomax Archive. The Association for Cultural Equity explains that “the Sound Recordings catalog comprises over 17,400 digital audio files, beginning with Lomax’s first recordings onto (newly invented) tape in 1946 and tracing his career into the 1990s.” The archive’s website makes it easy to navigate by musical genre, culture, or country. This is perfect for exploring or even making connections to children’s interest in the world. A wonderful collection of videos that highlights folk music from around the United States is also available.
Luckily for us, a number of well respected music educators have developed teaching resources making use of music from the Lomax Archive. The resources range from activities related to This Little Light of Mine or Peas Porridge Hot to creative exploration with lullabies from Spain, Italy, and the United States. The entire set of teaching resources is a fantastic resource for anyone who likes to include music in the lives of young children.
On of the authors of the teaching resources, Dr. Patrician Sheehan Campbell has also written two excellent resources related to musical engagement with young people.
Her book Songs in Their Heads: Music and its Meaning in Children’s Lives
Her book Music in Childhood: From Preschool through the Elementary Grades 
So, go on a musical adventure around the world with the Alan Lomax archive and try out some fun, creative, and valuable lessons that will help children grow as musical people.
What would the music you create with your children sound like?
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