We may not be usual, but most days, classical music is playing at our house at some point. The children don’t mind it; in fact, they seem to enjoy it….and it may be my imagination, but I think it makes them a little more introspective and artsy whenever it’s playing, opting to curl up with a picture book rather than run around tossing toys to and fro.

We’re about to embark on a time of teaching music around here, most specifically, classical music, its instruments, and most notable composers. When I heard about Beethoven’s Wig, I just knew I had to see what and how it could add to our family music repertoire.

We like it. A lot. And it seems like we’re not the only ones:

~ Beethoven’s Wig’s music has been featured on Today Show and NPR
~ Their music has hit the #1 and #2 spots on Amazon’s Hot 100 CDs chart
~ They have won 40 national awards, including 3 Grammy nominations!

Creator and lead vocalist and lyricist, Richard Perlmutter, has a deep passion and love for classical music, which is what inspired Beethoven’s Wig’s start. The lyrics are what get you — you probably recognize the tunes, but the lyrics are nonsensical, comical, and downright playful.

“Forever We’re Marching”, the title track of their newest CD, Beethoven’s Wig 4, is the tune of “March: The Washington Post” by Sousa. Within seconds, my 2-year-old, dance-loving daughter was marching all over the house and beckoning all of us to join in. How could we not? The music is catchy, energetic, and most of all familiar. It’s the same old stuff made new and more exciting for little ears, and that makes Mom happy, too.

I have to say my personal favorite is the 2nd track, “Oh No!,” which is to the tune of the “Maple Leaf Rag” by Joplin, which describes the comedic peril which might take place between the characters in a vintage silent film.

To help enhance the learning experience, the CD booklet boasts trivia questions and activity ideas for parents and children to explore together.

These “Dance Along Symphonies” are repeated without words on the second half of the album, just for good measure. I guarantee Beethoven’s Wig 4 will get you dancing….as well as excited (again?) about classical music and its many personalities.

Beethoven’s Wig 4 can be bought directly via Rounder Records’ website, as well as from Amazon and most music stores near you.

Win it! One of you will win your very own copy of Beethoven’s Wig 4, courtesy of Sugar Mountain PR and Rounder Records, to try out and love at your house! Just head over to Beethoven’s Wig, browse through the album’s title tracks, and tell me which song your children (or YOU) would love best! (You can also hear song clips on their title page.) One comment per person; duplicate commenters will be disqualified. US entries only. I’ll close the contest at 11pm EST next Tuesday, January 13th, 2009. Good luck!