Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Resources for Classical Music Appreciation

Studies show that classical music education helps improve attention span and overall student achievement. You don’t have to be a musician to integrate classical music education into your curriculum. There are plenty of online resources to help you plan. The following resources will help you integrate music education and classical music appreciation into your curriculum for your public school or home school classrooms.

The San Francisco Voice is a good place to start. The San Fransisco Voice offers readers the latest news regarding classical and other types of music. They offer tips and advice about music education, music teachers, and lessons. They also refer readers to other websites which aid in encouraging music education and appreciation.

Image Credit: Bulba 1 - CCO Public Domain Image - via Pixabay

September is Classical Music Appreciation Month

San Francisco Symphony Kids is an interactive webpage which educates children about the instruments of the orchestra. Kids click on an instrument family to learn all about the instruments. The webpage also includes a music lab and updates on concerts and events suitable for children.

Broadway Musical Home provides information about Broadway musicals and theaters. The site keeps readers updated on currently playing musicals. Students who access the site can learn about the longest running musicals in Broadway history. They can also learn about the most popular musicals and Tony Award winners. Teachers can develop detailed lessons around such topics or simply allow students to access and explore the site on their own.

CarnegieHall.Org provides teachers and parents with games, listening guides, and more. Teachers, parents, and students can click on the following topics for resources: For K-12 Educators, Games and Listening Guides, Master Classes, For Teaching Artists, Performances, and Artists Interviews.

Classical Chops offers video interviews with famous musicians and composers. Students will enjoy an interactive page where they create their own classical music masterpiece. The Soundtrack Swap feature allows students to hear how music affects perception of video. By accessing the “Getting Started” tab, students can learn more about how to get into the music business. They can follow links to learn orchestration, learn how to write a song, learn about music notation software. Other links include: Music Career Ideas, Learn Key Signatures, Free Sheet Music, Free Printable Staff Paper, Ear Training, Music Theory, Classical Music Research and Appreciation, Find a Music Teacher, Performing Arts Schools in Los Angeles, Performing Arts Schools in Orange County, Music Scholarships, Making Music, Film Composing, Videos on Film Composing, Books on Film Composing, Education Programs on Film Composing.

Students can also upload their own classic music video on Classic Chops.

Classics for Kids allows kids to learn about Composers by topics such as “Composers by Musical Period” and “Composers by Timeline.” Students will access a Composer Map where they can click on a particular country and learn about the composers who lived there. Kids can also enter a Composer Time Machine and compose their own music. Students can listen to music, learn about music careers, and even make their own radio show. This site is attractively designed for kids and offers resources for adults such as lesson plans; activity sheets; and tips and advice. Adults can access a tab for “Parents” and a tab for “Teachers.”

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids allows kids to click on a Composer’s name and listen to his or her music. Composers are listed by the periods Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. This site offers games such as Beethoven’s Baseball and Music Match. Children can access kid friendly music theory lesson and take advantage of great music practice tips. Kids learn by building Xylophones, making woodwind and stringed instruments, making chimes, and creating drums. Families will find a list of family friendly concerts and children can join a Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids Club where they will receive periodic emails which include music puzzles and event information.

Music and reading are two of the best educational activities you can offer your child. Here is a great educational book about Volcanoes. Your child will love it especially if your child enjoys science.