About
My name is Anna Christina! I am the award-winning author, narrator, musician, storyteller and owner of Music Audio Stories. My journey began in audio production. Whilst working on my first audiobook, I couldn’t find any other audio stories combining original classical music with original children's stories, sound effects and rhyming styling like mine. I decided to invent my own genre and call my creations ‘Music Audio Stories’.
I am qualified in Sound Engineering, Music and Sound Technology and Music Production. I have been a professional touring and recording artist, musician, songwriter, composer and singer for many years - annachristinamusic.com.
Due to the huge success of my fun interactive musical Storytime, I decided to launch a new product line called Storytime with Anna Christina. Through my stories, I teach children about music, instruments, colours, numbers, nature, animals and the characters in Music Audio Stories.
I teamed up with illustrator, Jenika Ioffreda, and together we have published our first children's picture book, Billy Joins the Circus. The book combines components of my Storytime and is proving to be very popular.
After attending Scuola Romana dei Fumetti (Roman School of Comics) in Italy, Jenika moved to the UK where she self-publishes her award-nominated comic book series Vampire Free Style: the story of a black cat in a world of magic, mysteries, vampires and witches. Her series has sold over 5,000 copies at comic conventions over Europe, has been praised by reviewers, has a loyal following and has been requested as set dressing for the movie 'This Must Be The Place'.
Music Audio Stories requires all of my skills, both as a composer and musician, as well as a writer. I create music audiobooks with full orchestral scores, brilliant soundtracks, catchy sing-along songs and fun stories.
I have worked with actors and musicians including the Olivier-nominated TV and film actor Paul Kaye who was the original Mr Wormwood in Matilda, and Thomas Meadows, who can be found drumming for some of today's biggest artists such as Kylie Minogue.
What makes my audiobooks different?
Music
My music audiobooks have strong themed original classical music behind the narration. The music continues throughout and is an essential part of the stories. It is also phrased with the voices, making my stories seem like songwriting rather than your standard audiobook.
Most of the scores are orchestral but at times, other instruments such as guitars, banjos and drums are included. I also introduce a variety of music genres, styles and instruments to children.
Songs feature in most stories and have been described as “insanely contagious”.
Audio
I use sound effects, traditional Foley methods and cartoon-style voices combined with panning techniques to create movement in the sound which adds to the atmosphere and excitement of each adventure.
Not everything you hear is prominent in the mix of my audiobooks. There are a few subtle sounds in the background to listen out for. Try listening to Music Audio Stories with headphones on!
Some of the characters’ voices are performed by myself but I usually invite special guests to do voice-overs and have even worked with award-winning voice-over actors.
Stories
Each story has its own benefits and is tailored towards topics and themes. They promote environmental awareness, mindful living and kindness towards animals as well as each other.
My stories are ambitious, highly engaging and every scene is filled with wonderfully detailed observations.
I write uplifting stories that inspire children to follow their dreams and never give up on the goals they want to achieve. All of my characters are original and are based on animals and insects.
Music Audio Stories
Music Audio Stories are great when you're on the go.
My audiobooks make travel easier. You can create a fun family experience by listening together via your car speakers or use headphones on an individual device. This is also a help for children who suffer from carsickness and need to avoid staring at a book or a screen. Either way, when you're on the go, there's no need to carry around heavy storybooks with you! Just pop one of my CDs on and your child will love the combination of music, stories and songs!
Speed up mundane chores and make them more enjoyable.
You may find that it’s easier to entice your children into doing their chores when you let them know that they can listen to my fun music audiobooks!
Find out how you can use my interactive videos for teaching and entertaining your little ones here Storytime with Anna Christina.
