From their blockbuster movies to television hits, Disney films have always been loved as much for their music as for their stunning animation and storytelling. Although modern audiences will be familiar with the names behind the movies of the past few decades, with names like Elton John, Tim Rice and Randy Newman penning modern classics, there is an equally impressive pedigree of composers and performers stretching right back to the film company\’s silver screen beginnings early last century.

In fact, many of the Disney songs have become so ingrained into our consciousness that we could be forgiven for forgetting that they started out life in Disney films. Consider these: Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah (from Song of the South); When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio); Whistle While you Work (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs); Who\’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? (Three Little Pigs) and A Spoonful of Sugar (Mary Poppins).

And then there are the ones that are so quintessentially Disney that you can actually picture the animation before your very eyes the moment you hear the opening bars: The Bare Necessities and I Wan\’na Be Like You (from the Jungle Book); You\’ve Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story); The Circle of Life (Lion King); I\’ve Got No Strings (Pinocchio) and Never Smile at a Crocodile (Peter Pan).

It\’s the ubiquity of these fantastic songs that makes them ideal for anyone learning an instrument. It\’s always easier to learn along with songs you have actually heard of and know well than with something unknown. Just as importantly, perhaps, these timeless songs will be loved just as much by the teacher as by the pupil. Can you think of anything more joyous than teaching a youngster to play The Bare Necessities on the piano? There\’s so much scope for duets, singing and even a spot of dancing that it should be a must for any teacher.

If you\’re a really brave teacher or musical parent, you could try and tackle some of the more contemporary delights, such as Hannah Montana, The Cheetah Girls, High School Musical and, of course, the more challenging High School Musical 2. And if you\’re going down this route, you had better make sure you\’re on the ball with what they love, too. Picking the latest teen or pre-teen hit could either be a huge success or you could be just as unfamiliar as they are if you\’re too ahead of the game. A quick check of the DVD collection and the posters on the bedroom wall will be all the research you need, however.

So if you\’re teaching kids to play the piano, guitar or any other instrument, it can really pay dividends if you choose to use these songs that echo down the generations. There\’s a vast collection of Disney songs and music to choose from, starting with easy pieces and advancing all the way to the intricate orchestral epics. The list covers heartfelt love songs, joyous celebrations of life and hilarious comic masterpieces. And best of all, it\’ll give you an excuse to watch the films all over again.

Author Bio: George has been a music teacher for most of his life and when he is teaching younger people he uses Disney sheet music to make life easier. Just like other sheet music users, he find the new online availability a great time saver.

Category: Culture
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