Bedtime Music

Having spent my formative years in the 80′s, there are some things I’ll always love in a warm, fuzzy sort of way.  Like leg warmers, Swatch watches, parachute pants, big hair, old school MTV, and every music mix I painstakingly made on cassette tape…

While I’ve managed to purge myself of most things on that list, the one  I know will stick with me forever is my teeny-bopper obsession with music mixes.  And I’m afraid I’ve already passed along this obsession to my toddler – for better or worse, time will tell!  Bedtime music has been a regular part of her sleep routine since she was itty-bitty.  Over time it has evolved into a distinct mix that I’ve used nightly for a long time now.  Only recently have I added a couple of new mixes to add a little variety to our very regular bedtime routine.  What I’ve found about a familiar playlist, played at the same time in her bedtime routine every night, is that it provides the predictability that children require.  More, it can now be extended to other situations to bring a sense of calm in a stressful moment.  Music has always done this for me, so it’s no surprise that M would acquire this coping mechanism.  I guess I just didn’t realize how early it would happen.

For those that are interested, here’s our bedtime playlist:

There’s a Little Wheel a-Turnin‘, from Music Together – Summer Songs 3

Ny Fitiavako An’i Mama, from Putamayo – Dreamland

Thula Mama, from Putamayo – Dreamland

Usa Cheme, from Putumayo – African Dreamland

Still, Dark And Quiet, Baby Genius – Lullaby And Goodnight

Trois gymnopedies, Lovers’ Classics

Andante Cantabile, Midnight Classics

Violin Concerto No. 4 In D Major, Mozart Violin Concertos No.4-5

Sonata For Piano No. 8 in C, Baby’s First Beethoven

Sonata For Violin and Piano No. 5 in F Major, Baby’s First Beethoven

Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Baby Einstein – Lullaby Classics

Canon in D Major, Guitar Classics

Ave Maria in A Major, Guitar Classics

Waltz In C Major, Guitar Classics

Sonata for Piano No. 24 in F Sharp Minor, Midnight Classics

Arabesque, Midnight Classics

Canon and Gigue for Strings, Midnight Classics