LISTEN — Audio Instructions

Target age range: K-6

1. Make a feelings card. Take a piece of paper and draw a box and write as many emotions or feelings as you can.

2. Now read or say each feeling word and silently imagine music that sounds like that feeling.

3. Create a blank listening sheet.

4. Listen to the pieces listed below in step number 5. Think about what emotions you hear and feel. Use vocabulary words to describe each piece. The words on your feelings card might help you. Draw a picture to go along with each. Here are the pieces of music for your listening activity. A few things to think about while listening:

• Does the emotion or feeling change throughout the piece?
• What musical techniques did the composer use to create these feelings or emotions?
• Can you use any music vocabulary words when you describe the emotions or feelings you hear?
• Does the title of the piece give you any clues?

Piece #1: Lines, by Mary Ellen Childs

Piece #2: Yearning for Peace, by Tan Dun

Piece #3: Dance of the Knights, by Sergei Prokofiev

Piece #4: Part of Music for Royal Fireworks, by G. F. Handel

6. Want more? Watch the Class Notes Videos A Journey Through Musical Emotion and A Recipe for Emotion in Music and do some activities in the curriculum that goes along with both videos.

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Katie Condon, music education specialist.

More: View all of our daily YourClassical Music Lessons