Regenbogenlieder

Regenbogenlieder – German children’s songbook with a colour system for music education

The Regenbogenlieder German children’s songbook is a teaching resource that brings together 20 German folk songs, adapted to help children take their first steps in music through a visual system based on colours.

The project starts from a simple idea: music should be accessible, motivating and meaningful for children. That’s why Regenbogenlieder uses a colour code inspired by the rainbow (Regenbogen) that lets children identify the notes intuitively, so their very first contact with an instrument is a positive one. This approach reduces early frustration, builds confidence and sparks a desire to learn music in a natural, playful way.

The songbook is specially designed for glockenspiel, handbells, desk bells, metallophones and other tuned percussion instruments, which are very common in early years music education. Each song includes the main melody, the original German lyrics and a clear structure that supports step-by-step work on performance. It also comes with coloured stickers so children can personalise their instruments and reinforce the visual link between sound and colour.

One of the great teaching strengths of Regenbogenlieder is its versatility in the classroom. The material can be used in dedicated music lessons, cross-curricular projects, beginner instrument workshops or to support German language and culture activities. The traditional songs let you work not only on music but also on pronunciation, vocabulary and cultural awareness of the German language in a hands-on, inclusive way.

The songbook also includes QR codes with audio recordings, so you can listen to the melodies as a reference. This is especially useful for teachers and families alike, as it supports independent learning, practice at home and consolidating the melodies learnt in class. Listening first helps musical understanding, ear training and confidence when playing.

In terms of design and production, Regenbogenlieder is made for heavy use in educational settings. The large format, with a hardback cover and spiral binding, lets the book stay open on a music stand or table, making it easy to read together or individually. The layout is clear, tidy and visually appealing, adapted to the needs of children and teachers.

This German children’s songbook lets you work on music step by step, encouraging active listening, motor coordination and children’s confidence in their first experiences with an instrument.

This songbook is an ideal tool for early years and primary teachers, music schools, music therapists, social care workers and families looking for quality music materials with a solid teaching foundation. The colour system and the choice of songs help develop skills such as active listening, motor coordination, group work, musical memory and emotional expression.

Regenbogenlieder is part of the catalogue of CapaPublisher, a publisher specialising in accessible and inclusive music teaching resources, with an educational and human outlook. The publisher’s materials are designed to support children’s all-round development and to make music an everyday tool for learning, communication and wellbeing.

In short, Regenbogenlieder is not just a book of songs but a complete educational resource that combines music, teaching and culture, inviting children to discover the joy of making music together while learning in a positive, creative way that respects their own pace.

Regenbogenlieder is a German children’s songbook for schools, teachers and families looking for accessible, inclusive music materials with a solid teaching foundation.

Hardback cover with two extra pages of round stickers following the sequence of the rainbow colours.

Singer: Juliane Heinemann

Our educational songbooks regularly rank among the top three results on Thomann, a sign of the trust that teachers and music professionals across Europe place in them.