Help: Neurosmith Music Blocks: what is the deal

[DaisyO]

Hi!

I (well, not "I" really, but my 2-year-old) just received a Neurosmith Music Blocks toy.  It is brand new--I have seen that there are old versions that take cartridges etc but this is not one of those, it is just brand new, so bear with me if you know what I'm referring to.  It won't help to tell me to get the old one with the cartridges.

Like, how does it work?  Is there anything to it besides the obvious?  Does your kid like it...?  I find the music sort of choppy and weird.  Is it really that diverting for the little mites?  Does it teach them anything at all about music (I find this doubtful)?

Finally, do you know of any electronic toys that allow children to "compose" simple tunes using just plain tones?  My toddler is not ready for any real instrument, like a keyboard or similar, but would really benefit from something less kind of harsh and choppy than the Music Blocks.  I do think it is a cool toy, but not really 100% what I was looking for for her.  Maybe the thing I want doesn't even exist.  I had a musical "phone" thing that was just amazing when I was young, it was a kind of red telephone-looking object that allowed you to compose and record simple tunes.  Anybody know what that is, or something like it?  

thanks!

Ps.  I know that Mothering is supportive of things like wooden Noah's arks and like Waldorf dolls and tea sets and stuff--I guess this post is about something kind of non-Motheringish, eg, noise toys.  Sorry about that if you are weirded out

[silversparrow]

I bought my son a second-hand one of those cassette player/ recorders with a microphone that is big and colourful and designed to be tough for toddler abuse :) I found a bunch of old tapes at yard sales and stuff for 5 cents like whale songs and REM and he sings along. I also have some blank tapes for recording but we haven't tried that yet, I thinks he's prob still too young.

[Mummoth]

What about a music maker/ lap harp? It's not electronic but they are easy to use.

[DaisyO]

Originally Posted by Mummoth 

What about a music maker/ lap harp? It's not electronic but they are easy to use.

those are awesome.  good call.  also previous w/ tape recorder...

[silversparrow]

oh yeah, and a rainbow xylophone!

[DaisyO]

Originally Posted by silversparrow 

oh yeah, and a rainbow xylophone!

we have it...well, a glockenspeil or whatever!  and drums, a wooden xylophone, uke, etc

somehow she is in love w/ noise toys however, and I sort of want to fill that void with something pretty neutral.  you know?  all we have is the so-called music blocks and one of those musical books that was a hand-me-down from the neighbor

[silversparrow]

I also recently discovered Dan Zane, a new children's  performer that has music that grown-ups like too. Way more tolerable than wiggles.

[DaisyO]

Originally Posted by silversparrow 

I also recently discovered Dan Zane, a new children's  performer that has music that grown-ups like too. Way more tolerable than wiggles.

cool...we're on a permanent Elizabeth Mitchell loop here and a new voice would be awesome...especially if it is nothing like Wiggles--they really are intolerable, it is really shocking!

thanks so much for all your help.  my toddler is currently enjoying a pair of castanets so that's a nice development here at presents time

[MichelleZB]

Two is a great age to start Orff or Dalcrose or similar music classes. They often have kids play with glockenspiels or other similar instruments. Start listening to your Suzuki recordings so you can start violin in a year, lol!