What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe 'Meet the Great Composers' as a reliable, 'no-stress' way to incorporate music appreciation into a homeschool schedule. Critics and parents alike appreciate the 'open-and-go' nature of the materials, noting that the short 2-3 page lessons are perfect for once-a-week sessions (referenced in The Unlikely Homeschool and Reddit discussions). The 'Music Box' feature, which highlights specific facts and style points, is frequently cited as an engaging way to help students retain information. However, some parents find the biographies a bit brief, suggesting that for high school students, these volumes should be used as a supplement rather than a core text. The inclusion of activity pages like crosswords is a hit for middle-elementary students, though some older learners may find them too simple. Overall, it is seen as a high-value, affordable introduction to the classics.

How It Works

A typical week involves a single 20-to-30-minute session where the parent and child sit down with the student workbook and the accompanying audio recordings. The child reads a brief 2-3 page biography about a specific composer, such as Bach or Mozart, while listening to curated musical excerpts that highlight that composer's unique style. After the reading, the student completes a 'Music Box' summary and an activity page, like a crossword puzzle or fact review, to reinforce what they heard and read. The parent's role is minimal, primarily acting as a co-listener and guide, as the lessons are designed to be 'open-and-go' with no advance preparation required.

Switching to This?

Since this is a supplemental appreciation program rather than a skill-based course, Alfred Music does not offer a formal placement test. Most families simply begin with Volume 1 and work chronologically, though because the lessons are self-contained, you can easily start mid-year or skip around to match other history studies. If you are switching from a more rigorous, writing-heavy program, expect a much lighter workload that focuses on exposure rather than deep academic analysis. Parents of high schoolers should treat these volumes as a starting point and may need to add outside research or longer essays to satisfy high school credit requirements.

Curriculum Details

Price

$14 - $35

Pricing is per volume; there are two volumes available. Most homeschoolers purchase the Book & CD (or digital audio) combo for approximately $17.99 each.

Grades

4 - 12

Available As

Print Workbook Digital Audio

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Music

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

15-30 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Zeezok Music Appreciation, which is a very robust and multi-sensory program, Meet the Great Composers is much more concise and better suited for families who only want a 'light touch' introduction to music. When weighed against Memoria Press Music Appreciation, Alfred’s offering feels more accessible and less like a traditional school subject, making it a better fit for students who are easily overwhelmed by heavy text. Parents often compare it to The Story of the Orchestra; however, while that book focuses heavily on the instruments themselves, this curriculum focuses specifically on the lives and historical contexts of the people who wrote the music. Unlike digital-first platforms like Skoove or MusicGurus which focus on performance and playing an instrument, this program is strictly for listening and historical appreciation. Finally, compared to free resources like Classics for Kids, this curriculum provides a structured, physical workbook that helps parents track progress without needing to print materials or manage screen time.