Listening to Classical Music

Musical talent is a learned skill and has to be nurtured. Every child can be educated and the environment is the key. Students will not be able to understand what "good" music is unless they have been exposed to it in their daily environment. I encourage you to build a collection of classical and jazz music and listen regularly to a variety of genres and styles. The internet is one of many great resources and on youtube.com you can listen to classical music for free.

Both styles, classical and jazz music, build a well-educated individual. When listening to classical music, lessons will become more and more appealing to students, and progress may increase. Regular listening assignments are part of my instruction. In addition to listening to classical music, I encourage students to learn more about the composer. For example, where he/she was from, when he/she lived, or anything else that you are interested to find out about the composer.

I have created a suggestive repertoire list of pieces that you may familiarize yourself with. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it may help you to have a starting point when listening to classical music. You may keep a listening log and please add any other classical pieces that you enjoy listening to:

• Repertoire List
• Listening Log: listen to at least two or three different performances of the same piece. You can compare/contrast the performances in your listening log.

Scientists find 15 Amazing Benefits of Listening to Music

Weekly/Monthly Listening - Composer of the Month

My hope is that you together as a family listen to the piece(s) or at least assist your child in listening. You may start/use a separate listening journal/binder and provide feedback or you can fill out the listening guide. At the beginning of every month, I will select a composer that we will research, discuss and listen to. Every Sunday, I will send an email reminder with one or two videos for listening. 

• Complete the Listening Guide for weekly listening assignments.
• You may also submit an Electronic Version of the Listening Guide and I will receive your answers in an email.
• Descriptive Words:This is a list of words that may help you describe the music you are listening to. When describing music you may think of how the music makes you feel or what colors you hear in the music. There is no end on how to describe music and there is no right or wrong answer either. You may even come up with your own words or draw a picture to match the music ...

Answer what you know and what applies. You may only know a few answers and that is ok. Younger students (and older ones too) may draw a picture about the piece. I will display your artwork in our "Picture of the Week" area!!! Of course, any composer facts are always welcome at our 'Composer Wall of Fame'

Recital Attendance

I believe it is vital when studying music to experience life performances. Recitals at Austin Peay State University (APSU) are generally free and below is a current schedule. Other possibilities are the Roxy Theatre, the Nashville Symphony or any other local events. I love to hear about your experience at attending one of the recitals and be sure to safe your programs.

• Recital Log - optional: print for your records
• Current Recital Schedule at APSU
• Gateway Chamber Orchestra

Before you attend a concert you may want to take a look at the links below ...(from the NAfMe.org website - formerly known as MEMC.org)

• Concert Rules for Adults
• Concert Rules for Students
• Concert Etiquette Quiz