Over the years, I've tried to bring more truth, beauty, and goodness into our homeschool. We've studied artists, memorized Scripture and poetry, and learned about the ballet. And I've always wanted to bring more classical music and composers into our home as well. The problem? I just didn't understand how to do it. It seemed too simple, too easy... it just didn't make sense that we could study music in starts and stops, and find it worthwhile. I was wrong.
As intimidating as composer study seems, I promise... it's a lot easier than you think. And the benefits are HUGE! So WHY should you study classical music in your homeschool?
*Brain Development-- Classic music can increase focus, improve math skills, and enhance memory.
*Emotional Development-- Music is full of mood, and emotion, and expression. Listening to and discussing music can increase your child's emotional intelligence and regulation, and increase their empathy.
*History and Culture-- Music is influenced by the time and culture in which it's birthed. Classic music expresses the history and mindsets prevalent to the time period and can help students better understand the world around them.
*Creativity-- Music is a beautiful expression of creativity and life.
*Music Appreciation-- Whether your child plays an instrument or not, listening to classical music can open doors for a powerful appreciation of the arts.
Now you're convinced, but where do you start? How do you find the music, the composers? How do you made music study a part of your day?
We mostly follow the composer study resources provided by Ambleside Online. They list the composers for each year along with a list of pieces you can listen to. Other times in our homeschool, we've studied famous ballets and I've created Youtube playlists of that composer's work. Or another option would be to look for a local symphony production. Listen to the composer's work in the weeks leading up to the live show.
But what about putting this study in your day? How do you incorporate music study in such a way that it's natural and not overwhelming?
*Listen to a piece during breakfast or morning chores-- Play a piece of music while your children are all around the table and enjoying a meal. Or while they're getting their chores done. Start slow. Just a minute or two. Discuss what you hear and how it made them feel.
*Play classical music during independent learning-- Music with no lyrics makes great background for handwriting, math skills, and independent reading.
*Focus on one composer for a time-- Often we pick one composer to focus on for the term (approx. 12 weeks). This allows us enough time to become familiar with the style and sound.
*Make a game out of it-- play freeze dance, musical chairs, musical charades, drawing what you see when you listen to a piece of music, creating facial expressions to go with the music, etc. These are all great ways to help kiddos re-engage and stay engaged.
*Watch a fun musical performance-- Piano Guys are so much fun to watch. Classical music is also a part of many cartoons.
Studying composers and classic music doesn't have to be overwhelming. Listen to a few composers and pick one you think your kids would like. Then naturally work the music into your day... a few minutes at breakfast or during morning basket... a call to "school time" or as background music for reading... Just listen, talk, and enjoy together. There's really no right or wrong... just enjoyment.
How do you incorporate music study in your homeschool?
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