Multicultural Songs that Children and Parents Can Enjoy Together

Listening to music can be a very therapeutic and relaxing activity for families to do together. As fans of world music, this author and her family enjoy listening to an assortment of different types of ethnic musical selections. Here are eight of this author's family's favorite multicultural musical pieces:

LhasaLove by Suzanne Teng and Mystic Journey (1999)

Suzanne Teng, playing her Chinese flute, and her band Mystic Journey, using an assortment of other ethnic instruments, perform an upbeat, delightful melody that makes you and your family feel like dancing in your living room. To listen to a sample of this lovely musical selection, go to www.amazon.com and look up the Mystic Journey self-titled album. You have the option to listen to other samples from this collection, so check those out as well.

Marco Polo by Loreena McKennitt (1994)

This instrumental masterpiece from Loreena McKennitt's album, "The Mask and The Mirror," is a favorite of this author's son and has a Middle Eastern feel to it. You can literally close your eyes and imagine yourself riding a camel across the desert sand. This tune is a lovely choice for playing while on a road trip or relaxing in your living room.

The Voice by Celtic Woman (2005)

The angelic voice of the lead singer of this beautiful song is captivating, and the gorgeous melody of this musical piece will transport you to a world of Celtic wonder. You and your family can enjoy listening to this tune in the car or at home.

Summoning Winds by Native Flute Ensemble (1993)

This powerful, harmonious Native flute song from the album "Gathering of Shamen" brings a multitude of images from nature to mind and is fantastic for hearing while traveling on a scenic road trip or spending time at home. You and your family can also listen to some samples of other selections by Native Flute Ensemble at www.amazon.com (some favorites of this author's family include Site of Great Mystery, Processions, and Flesh of White Corn).

The Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu) by Kathleen Battle & Shigeru Umebayashi (2004)

This hauntingly beautiful Chinese melody is from the cinematically colorful motion picture "House of Flying Daggers." While this author would not recommend this movie for everyone in the family, the Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu) is an enchantingly poetic experience for all ears.

Two Tigers, Two Masters by David Buckley (2008)

This instrumental masterpiece from the movie "The Forbidden Kingdom" is inspiring and makes a wonderful accompaniment to such physical activities as karate, yoga, walking, or jogging. If you and your family enjoy martial arts movies and are Jackie Chan or Jet Li fans, "the Forbidden Kingdom" makes for intriguing entertainment.

Cherokee Morning Song by Walela (1997)

This soulful song goes well with your family's morning routine. As you and your family members are preparing for the day, you can listen to this beautiful welcoming of the morning.

Scotlandthe Brave by Scottish Bagpipes (2009)

There is nothing quite like the sound of bagpipes playing, and this patriotic and exuberant musical composition presents bagpipe music at its best. You and your family will feel like marching to the beat as you listen to this song emphasizing Scottish pride.

When you and your family are looking for a new musical experience, give these musical selections from a variety of cultures a try. You may fall in love with a particular ethnic musical style that you never knew that you would.