How To Enjoy & Play Classical Music
Individuals at any age or stage, can enjoy and play classical music. Before making this statement, I had to prove it to myself.
Why Classical Music?
Pacific Symphony gives 10 reasons to include classical music in our lives:
Soothing and Relaxing: Live classical music has a calming effect on the mind and body, making it the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Stimulates the Brain: Research has shown that listening to classical music can improve cognitive function and stimulate the brain, making it an ideal choice for studying or work.
Improves Mood: Live classical music has the power to evoke emotions, lift spirits, and improve mood, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their mood.
Cultural Experience: Attending a live classical music performance is a rich cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the history and tradition of classical music.
Enhances Creativity: Classical music has been shown to enhance creativity and imagination, making it a great choice for artists, writers, and other creatives.
Connects People: Attending live classical music performances provides an opportunity to connect with others who share a love of music, fostering a sense of community.
Increases Empathy: Listening to live classical music has been shown to increase empathy and emotional intelligence, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to improve their emotional intelligence.
Inspiring: Live classical music has the power to move people and inspire.
Provides a Sense of Escapism: Live classical music offers a chance to escape from the stresses of daily life and immerse oneself in a world of beauty and harmony.
A Legacy to be Passed Down: Live classical music is a timeless art form that has been passed down from generation to generation, making it a legacy that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
How To Listen To Classical Music
The more challenging question is “How can we include classical music in our lives, if we were not weaned on it or inculcated with classical music as a child?”
In previous posts, I talked about keying in on a person’s interests, such as a post entltled “Too Old or Young to Appreciate Classical Music?,” for those interested in outer space, ths solar system, or astrology. By subscribing to my free Substack posts, you can view many other discussions of how to key in on a person’s interests to introduce them to classical music.
Hearing challenged? Check out this post, How do we listen to music?
History and Definitions
The best book I found is My First Classical Music Book. The book was first published in October, 2008, with a CD, for children 5-7 years old. The book and accompanying music can now be accessed online, as well as CD, through MY FIRST CLASSICAL MUSIC & ORCHESTRA Books Set, music motion.com, aimed for children 6-12.
As an elder and eldercare educator, I believe that My First Classical Music Book & Orchestra, with accompaning music track, is appropriate for ages 5 to 105. The contents include excerpts from symphonies by famous composerts, sounds of musical instruments, when and where classical music can be performed, and what you can listen for in music.
Two of my favorite classical music/sound books for babies and toddlers are Allegro: A Music Journey Though 11 Musical Masterpieces, (ages 1-4) and Wild Symphony (ages 2-6). Again, I believe these books are appropriate for many other ages. As an example, view the Yoga with Weights Routine for adults that I created, based on Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony.
How To Play Classical Music
Intergenerational Resources
I have tried out and reviewed many musical instruments before choosing a couple versitile instruments on which you can play classical or other music genres, either following music scores or playing without sheet music:
Music Maker, shown in the video clip accompanying this post, is a Belarus-originated string instrument, that includes 30 titles of accessory music sheets from Beatles to Bach, and much more. Check the sound of each string before you throw away the receipt and packaging.
Steel Tongue Drums. Like the Music Maker, the tones are relaxing and serene, anyone can play. The drums are compact, portable, and extremely durable. Check pricing on comparable steel tongue drums before you order.
All this can add up $ for individuals and famiilies. Alternatively, these resources may be available through schools and pre-schools. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to be available through after-school programs, community centers, elder long-term and day communities, intergenerational, parent, and grandparent music clubs???
I would be interested in your experience listening to and playing classical music.
Tags #classical music, #multicultural, #multisensory, #intergenerational, #children, caregivers, #elders, #parents, #musical instruments, #symphony, #composers, #steel tongue drum