Appreciating Classical Music

Let’s Talk About Appreciating Classical Music with Felice Gerwitz

Podcast #193

Is appreciating classical music a priority in your homeschool? Our family has enjoyed many wonderful unit studies surrounding this topic, the children learned how to identify the sounds of the instrument and many of the composers. This has not only expanded their minds but encouraged them in their study of music. Whether you are a classical music fan or a newcomer to studying classical music you will find many ideas and tips for teaching your children about classical music.

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Show Notes: Appreciating Classical Music

For the kids – Printable Appreciating Classical Music Music Appreciation

Why Study Classical Music?

It is enjoyable
It evokes emotion
The lives of the composers are interesting
It is complex
You might learn the sounds the different instruments makes
It may encourage you to attend the Philharmonic or performing arts center near you (yay! Field trip – add that in the “book”_
You can learn to identify pieces to the composers
It helps you become engaged, you don’t tune it out like you might other music
It is a form of escape – a break from reality
IT may spur your child to learn to play an instrument and create music of their own!

Music Selections Played in this podcast on appreciating classical music:

Johann Sebastian Bach, Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring
Bach -Tocatta and Fugue
Beethoven – Fur Elise
Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata
Brahms – Lullaby
Mozart – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Mozart – Rondo A la Turca
Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite
Tchaikovsky – Sleeping Beauty Waltz

Suggestions for studying classical music for appreciation–Classical Period 1750-1830

Composers – take a week and focus on each one and several of the composer’s more famous pieces
Watch video of composers – stories on youtube etc.
Great Classes – composers series
Music appreciation
1. Composition and beat (I have a link on this podcast – beat meter and form – https://www.giamusic.com/pdf/Z142BeatMeterForm.pdf
2. Theme **
3. Instruments
4. Placement of instruments in an orchestra

**Different forms are:
theme and variation
rondo
sonata
concerto
symphony

Theme and Variation is one thing to learn how to identify.

A theme is a small group of phrases that make up a complete musical idea
then several or altered or modified variations of the theme – the general music is changed by changing tempo, pitch, tonality, meter, texture, rhythm or overall emotional expression. The composer can select one or several variations.