Celebrating Classical Music Month: Tools and Tips for Teaching Music Appreciation

Introduction

September marks Classical Music Month, a perfect time to inspire students with the timeless beauty of symphonies, concertos, and operas. As educators, introducing young minds to classical music isn’t just about playing Beethoven or Bach—it’s about fostering a deep appreciation that connects historical masterpieces to modern life. With technology at our fingertips, teachers can transform traditional lessons into engaging, interactive experiences. In this article, we’ll explore top apps, online resources, and tech tips to help you bring the world of classical music alive in your classroom.

Apps

One standout app for sparking interest in classical music is My First Classical Music App HD (iOS and Android), which introduces young learners to instruments and composers through interactive stories and games. Designed for beginners, it features touch-based exploration where students can tap on pictures to hear sounds from pieces like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, making abstract concepts tangible.

For older students, The Orchestra app (iOS), developed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, offers a immersive dive into symphonic works with multi-angle videos and synchronized scores. Teachers can use it to dissect compositions layer by layer, helping students visualize how individual instruments contribute to the whole.

Another excellent app is Grandioso Classical Music App (iOS and Android), which challenges users to recognize masterpieces through quizzes and ear-training exercises. It’s ideal for building listening skills, as students identify themes from works by Mozart or Tchaikovsky in a fun, competitive format.

Online Resources

Online resources abound for educators seeking structured content. Carnegie Hall’s Music Educators Toolbox provides free lesson plans, videos, and activities centered on classical music, complete with assessments to track student progress. It’s a comprehensive hub where teachers can find units on composers like Debussy or thematic explorations of rhythm and melody.

Similarly, Classical 100 offers a curated collection of 100 essential classical pieces for learners up to age 14, with accompanying teaching guides and interactive elements. These platforms emphasize inclusivity, making classical music relatable across diverse classrooms.

For more immersive online learning, The Discovery Orchestra’s Chat videos deliver short, focused lessons on everything from a composer’s biography to analyzing harmony in pieces like Handel’s Messiah. Teachers can integrate these into virtual or in-person sessions for bite-sized appreciation.

Class Notes from YourClassical stands out with ready-to-use lesson plans that incorporate music samples and discussion prompts, fostering critical thinking about genres like Baroque or Romantic eras. Additionally, the Kennedy Center’s Classical Music Collection explores the science behind instruments and orchestral dynamics through articles and videos.

Tech Tips

Tech tips can elevate these tools into dynamic lessons. Start by pairing YouTube performance videos with movement activities—have students mimic conductor gestures while listening to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring to embody the music’s energy. This kinesthetic approach makes abstract rhythms feel immediate. Another tip is to create custom playlists on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, blending classical tracks with familiar pop songs that sample them, helping students see connections and build relevance. Use interactive tools like Chrome Music Lab for hands-on experiments, where kids compose simple melodies inspired by classical forms.

To deepen engagement, incorporate virtual reality apps or simulations for “tours” of historic concert halls, immersing students in the environments where great works premiered. Keep lessons simple by starting with familiar tunes—many students recognize classical motifs from movies or ads—and gradually introduce full pieces. Model enthusiasm yourself; treat classical music with respect in discussions to inspire curiosity. Tools like Soundslice allow syncing sheet music with audio for real-time analysis, perfect for group dissections of sonatas.

Parting Thought

Finally, remember that technology should enhance, not replace, the joy of listening. By combining these apps, resources, and tips, teachers can cultivate lifelong appreciation during Classical Music Month and beyond. Encourage students to share their discoveries, turning your classroom into a symphony of inspired learners.

Guest Blogger:

Bill Franklin, the CEO of Internet4Classrooms, is our guest blogger this month. He has been on the faculty at The George Washington University, has years of platform instructional experience, was a career Army Special Operations officer and also has decades of experience as a youth sports coach.