Music Listening Lessons in the Classroom
As an educator, exposing your students to a variety of music listening activities has proven to be a great tool. Here are a few reasons why and what resources you can utilize to prosper your students’ musical journeys.
Benefits for Students
Encourages a deeper and historical understanding of music backgrounds and cultural beginnings
Helps students absorb and articulate the emotions they feel in response to the music
Offers great examples of rhythmic and melodic concepts
Models correct technique with pitch and tone quality
Where to Look
There are plenty of places to find music online, so try using specific words to find important composers and musicians to showcase a variety of genres and styles. Here ares some resources to help you refine your search:
Youtube - tool for finding immersive music videos. Consider comparing and contrasting modern renditions with the original composer.
Female Composers - list of female composers born from the 16th century up to the 21st century
Choral Public Domain Library - tool for researching composers and musicians
I Care If You Listen - provides listening practices dedicated to classical music
Focus on Specific Topics
Take your students to the next level by structuring each week with a new melodic or rhythmic structure. For example, rather than just playing Beethoven because he is a well known composer, find a particular piece that provides insight and translation to the curriculum being taught. If you are teaching students about the quarter rest, have your students listen to “Symphony No. 7, MVMT. 2” because it is a great example!
Sources:
“Five Strategies To Incorporate Music Listening Lessons,” Mrs. Miracle’s Music Room
”A Complete Guide To Music Class Listening Lessons,” Mrs. Stouffer’s Music Room