Video: Operating a CD Player
Mackenzie listening to music on her Muji CD Player
I was introduced to the Muji CD player by my friend Seiko, during my Montessori training. It was an expensive purchase but really worth it. It’s nice to look at, compact and easy to operate – pull the string once to start, pull again to stop (see video below).
If you purchase it, make sure your children have developed good impulse control. Then give them several clear demonstrations on how to use it. Just a warning, they may break it. The way I see it, everything I prepare in our environment ultimately belongs to the children and I’m prepared for accidents. Besides if it breaks, they are the ones who really experience the consequence.
As you can see in the picture, each CD is labeled with a picture of an instrument: harp, guitar, cello and violin. On the CD, I’ve included music of the corresponding instrument. This way, they can choose which instrument they want to listen to and begin to recognize the sound that instrument makes. They definitely prefer string over woodwind, though they are warming to brass instruments. I love the independence this little machine gives them. They can now play music anytime they want and not a day will go by without a little classical music in our household.
Never underestimate what the youngest children can and will appreciate – their love for music, art and beauty never ceases to astound and inspire me.
This is a great purchase. I am a Montessori trained primary teacher. I am looking forward to home schooling my own child in future. Your blog gives me lots of tips and ideas. Thank you.
Where did you get the music? Which ones did you use & which instruments?
Hi Isabel, I recommend that you start with just the string instruments, like violin, cello, harp and guitar. Find music that has *just* that particular instrument, like with cello, you can use Bach’s cello suites with Yo Yo Ma or Pablo Casals. With woodwind instruments, we have oboe, flute, clarinet and recorder. With brass instruments, use trumpet, trombone, tuba and french horn. And there are lots of percussion, like snare drum, xylophone, anything with a beat. Hope that gives you a start!
Hi,
Just saw the Muji player and really interested in getting one. Sadly Muji is not making it anymore but they can be found on ebay sent from Japan. It mentions having to use an transformer or an adapter. In the state is a plug adapter is enough. How are you connecting yours? I wanted to know before purchasing.
thank you.
Pascale
I didn’t need anything else besides what came in the box, so I’m not sure. I must admits ours didn’t last as long as I’d like. I ended up buying a much cheaper CD player ($20 on Amazon) in the US that has lasted for the last 2 years.