VIVA LA MUSICA :: Sing Songs and Learn Spanish!

"!Viva la Musica! is a lively Spanish musical CD for children or anyone wanting exposure to the Spanish language. It's a great sing-along for both the native Spanish speaker and the beginning Spanish student. With titles such as Los Numeros, Mi Familia, and Pepito, you'll learn everyday life Spanish vocabulary while enjoying the simple guitar accompaniment. The accompanying booklet contains the Spanish lyrics and English translations. Elise Carr Sumners' sweet voice, with her happy and joyful enunciation of the 28 Spanish tunes, is perfect for this type of melody. "

“Grades 6-12 -- Spanish language classes will enjoy these unique and entertaining songs written and sung by Elise Carr Sumner. Songs range from basic phrases such as “Como esta usted?” (How are you?) to complicated themes on love, family life, and even a song dedicated to the literary character Don Quixote de la Mancha. Preteens and young adults will be able to laugh and relate to some of the songs, especially if teachers provide copies of the lyrics. The songs are all in Spanish on the CD, but the lyric booklet has the Spanish lyrics along with the English translation. The music is very simple, mainly accompanied by a guitar. Spanish beginner courses can use the songs which teach basic concepts such as “Como se llama usted?” (What’s your name?), “Los numeros (Numbers) and “Hola, que tal?” (Hi, how are you?). Other songs for more advanced Spanish students introduce more complex sentence structure and verb usage such as “Cuidado, Don Quijote” (Careful, Don Quixote), “Pepito” and “Siempre la misma?” (Always the same). Viva la Musica is a must for Spanish classes.”

I was delighted to find another great tool for reinforcing and teaching Spanish in our homeschool. Viva La Musica by Elise Carr Sumner is a Spanish songs C.D. with a companion booklet. This set makes a wonderful introduction to the Spanish language. Even if it were your only resource you could learn a great deal of basic phrases and words in a very enjoyable way. There are twenty-eight songs on the C.D. and the first ten or so are geared toward travel and introductory phrases -- my favorite of these is "No Hablo Mucho Espanol", or "I Don't Speak Much Spanish." The other songs teach more verbs and vocabulary. The songs are accompanied by guitar and are very pleasant to listen to. The book has all the words to the songs in both Spanish and English so you may follow along while listening. Some of the songs have lyrics which deal with romantic love and I might not play them too often for my young children, but overall the lyrics are about family, travel and childhood. My kids have let me know that this is their favorite of the Spanish tapes we own, and I appreciate being able to teach some subjects in a way that is fun for all of us.

Winner of a 2002 Parents' Choice Approved Award
“Established in 1978, Parent’s Choice Foundation is the nation’s oldest not-for-profit evaluator of children’s books, videos, toys, audio, computer software, television and magazines…The Foundation’s purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow—imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally—fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound…Identifying the best products for children,…the Parent’s Choice Awards seal of approval is awarded to products that meet and exceed standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and yes, kids themselves…Fewer than 15% of those items submitted to the Parents’ Choice Awards program receive a commendation in one of the six award levels: Classic, Gold, Silver, Recommended, Approved, and Fun stuff…”

"This is an album with "alma," or Spanish for soul. Elise Carr Sumner achieves something very elusive in language teaching, which is to help students feel genuinely immersed as they learn. Her voice brings the words to life, while the well structured lyrics stimulate learning in a natural and fun way. Great for travelers as well as students enrolled in a course."

— Stacey Tipton, author of Musical Spanish

"We (my daughter and I) are thoroughly enjoying your CD. We listened to it while Ashley did her Spanish homework right after I received it. Within a very short time she was singing 'Vaya, vaya, voy a la playa' in the shower!"

— A Purdue University student, Indiana

I am a first-year Spanish student in Dr. Irene Hodgson's class, where I first heard your CD. I was excited because it is an easy and helpful way for me to learn Spanish. I also feel that the addition of the written words helps immensely.

— Kent Huxel, Xavier University, Cincinnati

I loved your CD. I teach elementary music...and Spanish during the summer. I love to use music with my kids. It's so easy to remember with a catchy tune.

— Barbara Henderson, 10th St. Elementary, Anderson, Indiana

My students beg to sing these songs. They sing them in the hallways. They are at the perfect level for students. I can tell a teacher wrote these songs.

— Pam Morford, retired foreign language teacher, Washington Township, Indianapolis

As a veteran foreign language teacher, I am always looking for exciting new ways to teach vocabulary and grammar. Your songs fit the bill! Students of all ages will enjoy singing along with these catchy tunes.

Singing is a wonderful way to learn Spanish. Vocabulary, grammar and correct pronunciation are learned without painful memorization. Retention is greater, too. These songs are short, vocabulary-specific and fun. I highly recommend this CD.

I love your CD. . .I listen to it every day to and from work in the car and I find myself humming or singing your songs all day long!

"The songs are easy to understand and will be a real addition to my curriculum. I particularly like the fact that you've given us teachers the corresponding verb tenses and grammatical concepts. Really makes the program...easy to pinpoint for specific lessons."