Classical music is a beautiful and complex art form that can enrich children’s lives in many ways. Studies have shown that exposure to classical music can improve cognitive abilities, emotional development, and overall well-being!
7 Top Benefits of Classical Music Appreciation
Improved cognitive abilities.
Classical music can help children develop their listening skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to classical music perform better on tests of spatial reasoning and IQ.
Enhanced emotional development for students.
Classical music can help children develop their emotional intelligence and empathy. Listening to classical music can help children to express their emotions healthily and to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
Improved overall well-being.
Classical music can help children to relax, reduce stress, and improve their sleep. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
They can help students develop their listening skills.
Classical music is often complex and requires students to pay close attention to the different instruments and melodies. This can help them to develop their listening skills, which can be beneficial in other areas of their lives, such as in school and in their personal relationships.
Music appreciation can help students develop their creativity.
Classical music can inspire students to be creative in their own way. For example, they might be inspired to write their own music, draw pictures inspired by the music, or act out scenes from the music.
Music appreciation can help students learn about different cultures.
Classical music comes from all over the world, and it can help students learn about different cultures and traditions. For example, they might learn about the history of classical music in a particular country, or they might learn about the different instruments that are used in classical music from different cultures.
Music appreciation can help students relax and de-stress.
Classical music can be calming and relaxing, and it can help students de-stress after a long day. This can be especially beneficial for students who are struggling with anxiety.
10 Winning Strategies for Classical Music Appreciation at School
Start with familiar music.
When introducing students to classical music, start with pieces that they might already be familiar with, such as movie soundtracks or popular songs that have been arranged for classical instruments. This will help them to feel more comfortable and engaged with the music.
Use visuals.
When playing classical music for your students, use visuals to help them understand the music. This could include showing them pictures of the composers, the instruments, or the historical context of the music.
Get them moving.
Classical music doesn’t have to be listened to passively. Get your students up and moving by having them dance, march, or play along with the music. This will help them to feel more connected to the music and to understand the rhythm and tempo.
Ask questions.
As you play classical music for your students, ask them questions about what they are hearing. This could include asking them to identify the instruments, the melodies, or the rhythms. This will help them to pay attention to the music and to develop their listening skills.
Have your students create.
Have your students create their own music, draw pictures inspired by the music, or act out scenes from the music. This will help them to express their creativity and to connect with the music on a deeper level.
Take your students to see a live performance.
If possible, take your students to see a live classical music performance. This will allow them to experience the power and beauty of classical music firsthand.
Make it fun!
The most important thing is to make classical music fun for your students! If they are enjoying themselves, they are more likely to engage with the music and develop a lifelong appreciation for it.
Be patient.
It may take some time for your students to develop a love of classical music. Be patient and keep introducing them to different types of classical music. Eventually, they will find something that they enjoy.
Get involved.
Many organizations can help you get students involved in classical music education. Check for local volunteer or educational opportunities with your local orchestra, symphony hall, or radio station. Getting involved locally will help students learn more about classical music and to share their love of music with others.
Find helpful resources.
There are many resources available to help you teach classical music in the classroom. There are books, websites, and even apps that can help you introduce your students to classical music and help them to develop their appreciation for it.
10 Winning Strategies for Classical Music Appreciation at Home
Play classical music at home.
Make classical music a part of your everyday life by playing it in the background while you are cooking, cleaning, or doing other activities. This will help your child become familiar with the sounds of classical music and to develop an early appreciation for it.
Take your child to see a live performance.
If possible, take your child to see a live classical music performance. This will allow them to experience the power and beauty of classical music firsthand.
Enroll your child in music classes.
Music classes are a great way for your child to learn about the different instruments and techniques used in classical music. They can also learn how to read music and play an instrument.
Read books and stories about classical music composers and musicians.
This will help your child learn about the history of classical music and the people who created it.
Listen to classical music together.
Listen to classical music together and talk about what you are hearing. Ask your child what they like about the music and what they think the composer was trying to say.
Create art inspired by classical music.
Have your child create art inspired by classical music. This could include drawing pictures, painting, or writing poems.
Dance to classical music.
Classical music doesn’t have to be listened to passively. Have your child dance to classical music. This will help them to feel more connected to the music and to understand the rhythm and tempo.
Make it fun!
The most important thing is to make classical music fun for your child. If they are enjoying themselves, they are more likely to engage with the music and develop a lifelong appreciation for it.
Be patient.
It may take some time for your child to develop a love of classical music. Be patient and keep introducing them to different types of classical music. Eventually, they will find something they enjoy!
Get involved.
Many organizations can help you get involved in classical music education. You can volunteer to help with a local orchestra or choir, or you can start a classical music club at your child’s school. Getting involved will help students learn more about classical music and to share their love of music with others.
3 Easy Ways to Implement Classical Music Appreciation
Whole-class listening
Play the pieces of music for the whole class and discuss them as a group.
Small-group listening
Break the class into small groups and have each group listen to the music. Then, have each group share their thoughts and feelings about the music with the class.
Individual listening
Have students listen to the pieces of music on their own and complete the listening activities.
Putting It All Together
We’ve discussed seven of the top benefits of classical music appreciation for your students. From enhancing cognitive abilities to reducing stress and anxiety, classical music can serve your students in any classroom or homeschool setting.
You also now have twenty winning strategies for implementing classical music appreciation in your classroom and at home. There’s also three super easy ways to implement classical music appreciation with your students!
If you haven’t checked out our easy classical music appreciation activities yet, you are warmly invited to learn more over on TPT!
Explore all 700+ resources, read through teacher testimonials, and find lots of ways to add music appreciation to your classroom or homeschool! You can always reach out at any time if you have any questions or comments. We’re excited to connect with you!
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