ThinkFun’s new game enables little composers — ages 6 and older — the ability to begin writing “original music in minutes.” Although I was skeptical, Compose Yourself makes good on its promise — even for kids who can’t read music, like my 8-year-old co-reviewer.
The game, created by cellist-composer Philip Sheppard, contains 60 transparent music cards that can be flipped and rotated for different results. After choosing their cards, the child arranges them in the order he wants to hear them, visits the Compose Yourself website, enters the cards’ 4-digit codes, and selects how their composition will be performed — on a marimba, or by an orchestra, or by both.
If he likes the result, the mini Mozart can name and save their tune as an MP3 and print the sheet music.
The cards and instructions are stored in the included drawstring bag until the next time he’s struck by the urge to write a tune.
Compose Yourself by ThinkFun, $14.99, amazo
