Explore the World Music Initiative
Karen Howard, Series Editor
Each vibrant song collection in this series explores a unique world music tradition. Importantly, these collections feature more than just songs. They provide teachers and students with the tools to engage with world music authentically and in a culturally responsive way. Historical, geographical, and cultural context are provided, including the stories, experiences, and traditions of the people who have generously shared the music of their culture and communities in these books. Each song includes notation, translations, pronunciation guides, and pedagogical activities. Each book also comes with online access to audio, video, and links to more resources. These collections are perfect for elementary and middle school general music classes.
New from the World Music Initiative
El Reloj de la Calavera (The Skeleton Clock)
Adapted by: Gabriela Montoya-Stier
Illustrated by: Adrienne Gaylord
Learn MoreIn this colorful adaptation of El Reloj de la Calavera (The Skeleton Clock), all the adventure takes place on Domingo Grande, the Sunday before Día de los Muertos. Abuelito (grandpa) is taking care of his twin granddaughters, while abuelita (grandma) buys supplies for the ofrenda (offering). Along the way, they run into a playful troupe of marionette skeletons, las calaveras, who have emerged from the graveyard to celebrate the holiday!
Music educator Gabriela Montoya-Stier shares inspiration from her own heritage and childhood memories of the holiday, and artist Adrienne Gaylord captures the humor, love, and magic of this timeless chant in her vibrant and charming illustrations.
El Reloj de la Calavera will quickly become a favorite you’ll return to una y otra vez, again and again!
Song Collections
New from the World Music Initiative
Shadows in the MoonlightSongs of the Middle East
Joan Litman & Wassim Ibrahim
Edited by: Karen Howard
Learn MoreShadows in the Moonlight: Songs of the Middle East invites readers into a vibrant musical world shaped by centuries of cultural exchange along ancient caravan routes. This collection of 43 traditional songs captures the beauty and diversity of Middle Eastern music, offering students and educators an authentic, accessible resource that celebrates connection through sound.
As with other books in the World Music Initiative series, the authors provide music notation, English translations, and phonetic pronunciations for each song—along with online audio and video recordings that bring these melodies to life for Western audiences. Also included are contextual information, teaching considerations, and additional recommendations for picture books and films to deepen cultural understanding.
Organized by language—Arabic, Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Kurdish, and Hebrew—each section begins with a brief introduction to the region and culture, followed by a collection of songs that reflect the traditions of the community.
Rooted in the belief that music can build bridges of peace and empathy, this book explores the heart and humanity of Middle Eastern cultures through song.
The Heart Rhythms, Songs, and Dances of Korea
Dong-Won Kim & Karissa Van Liew
Edited by: Karen Howard
The Rhythm of SomaliaA Collection of Songs, Stories, and Traditions
Qorsho Hassan & Becca Buck
Illustrated by: Joof Farah
Edited by: Karen Howard
Voice Collectors Stories and Songs of Chinese Culture Bearers
Sarah Watts & Le Zhang
Editor: Karen Howard
Dance Like A Butterfly Songs from Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana
Karen Howard & Kwasi Dunyo
More from the World Music Initiative
Two Bobobo Songs 1. Duma Nya Me 2. Joy Like a River
Arranged by: Kwasi Dunyo & Karen Howard
Karen Howard
World Music Initiatve Series Editor
Karen Howard is Professor of Music at the University of St. Thomas, teaching music education methods, core graduate courses, world music pedagogy, and advising masters theses.
In addition to her university schedule, Dr. Howard is a national and international clinician specializing in children’s music culture, ethnomusicology, creative and folk dance traditions, early childhood music education, assessment, and curriculum development. She has presented at events for the American Orff Schulwerk Association, the Organization of American Kodály Educators, the Society for Ethnomusicology, the National Association for Music Education, the International Society of Music Education, and the American Choral Directors Association.
Her research has been published in the Journal of Music Teacher Education, International Journal of Community Music, and the Japanese Journal of Research in Music Education. Her other published works are available through the Association for Cultural Equity, Smithsonian Folkways Tools for Teachers, General Music Today, and The Orff Echo.
Dr. Howard earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree and Masters of Music Education degree from The Hartt School of the University of Hartford and PhD in music from the University of Washington. In 2003, she was recognized as Connecticut Music Educator Association’s Elementary Music Educator of the Year.