Listening Activities
String Instruments
String Instruments
violin
violin
viola
viola
cello
cello
bass viol
bass viol
Listen to this beautiful example of string instruments with piano. Can you identify the instruments? Describe the music to a family member or friend. What were the dynamics like? (loud or soft). Did they change or stay the same? How about the tempo? (fast and slow). How did the music make you feel? If you were watching a movie, what would be taking place? Did you like the music?
Listen to this beautiful example of string instruments with piano. Can you identify the instruments? Describe the music to a family member or friend. What were the dynamics like? (loud or soft). Did they change or stay the same? How about the tempo? (fast and slow). How did the music make you feel? If you were watching a movie, what would be taking place? Did you like the music?
This story is called "The Listening Walk". A young girl, her dad and her dog take a walk without talking, so they can hear the sounds around them.
This story is called "The Listening Walk". A young girl, her dad and her dog take a walk without talking, so they can hear the sounds around them.
Think about the many sounds that you hear during the day. Take a walk with a family member, or sit quietly and listen.
Think about the many sounds that you hear during the day. Take a walk with a family member, or sit quietly and listen.
Can you describe the sounds you hear? How were they made? (Machines? Animals? People? Nature?)
Can you describe the sounds you hear? How were they made? (Machines? Animals? People? Nature?)
Music and sounds are everywhere!
Music and sounds are everywhere!
Start a listening log.
Start a listening log.
Choose a song that you like to listen to.
Choose a song that you like to listen to.
Write down the name and the artist.
Write down the name and the artist.
What are the words about? Why do you like this music?
What are the words about? Why do you like this music?
Describe the mood – does it sound happy or sad? Or something else?
Describe the mood – does it sound happy or sad? Or something else?
Describe the dynamics - is it loud or soft? Do the dynamics change?
Describe the dynamics - is it loud or soft? Do the dynamics change?
Describe the tempo - is it fast or slow? Does the tempo change?
Describe the tempo - is it fast or slow? Does the tempo change?
What instruments do you hear? Are there any singers?
What instruments do you hear? Are there any singers?
Draw a picture that goes along with the music.
Draw a picture that goes along with the music.
Brass Instruments
Brass Instruments
trumpet
trumpet
French Horn
French Horn
slide trombone
slide trombone
tuba
tuba
How many instruments in a quintet? Listen to the Canadian Brass play a lovely piece, outside by the water. See if you can identify each of their instruments.
How many instruments in a quintet? Listen to the Canadian Brass play a lovely piece, outside by the water. See if you can identify each of their instruments.
Sit back and enjoy the music!
Sit back and enjoy the music!
Music Scavenger Hunt
Music Scavenger Hunt
There’s music all around us!
There’s music all around us!
Look around your home to see what you can find.
Look around your home to see what you can find.
(Be sure to ask an adult before playing any of your new instruments.)
(Be sure to ask an adult before playing any of your new instruments.)
Find something that…
Find something that…
1. Makes a HIGH sound
1. Makes a HIGH sound
2. Makes a LOW sound
2. Makes a LOW sound
3. Makes a LOUD sound
3. Makes a LOUD sound
4. Makes a SOFT sound
4. Makes a SOFT sound
5. Moves FAST
5. Moves FAST
6. Moves SLOW
6. Moves SLOW
7. You can SHAKE to make a sound
7. You can SHAKE to make a sound
8. You can SCRAPE or RUB to make a sound
8. You can SCRAPE or RUB to make a sound
9. You can tap that is made out of METAL
9. You can tap that is made out of METAL
10. You can tap that is made out of WOOD
10. You can tap that is made out of WOOD
BONUS: Make up a song using your new instruments!
BONUS: Make up a song using your new instruments!
Percussion Instruments
Percussion Instruments
snare drum
snare drum
maracas
maracas
xylophone
xylophone
tambourine
tambourine
triangle
triangle
bongo drums
bongo drums
wood block
wood block
bass drum
bass drum
glockenspiel
glockenspiel
piano
piano
castanets
castanets
finger cymbals
finger cymbals
cymbals
cymbals
boomwhackers
boomwhackers
These performers, who are playing percussion instruments, are very busy, and often play more than one instrument! Sit back and enjoy!
These performers, who are playing percussion instruments, are very busy, and often play more than one instrument! Sit back and enjoy!
Woodwind Instruments
Woodwind Instruments
piccolo
piccolo
flute
flute
pan flute
pan flute
bassoon
bassoon
clarinet
clarinet
oboe
oboe
saxophone
saxophone
Listen to a fun story about a young boy named Farkle McBride. He loves music and learns how to play a number of instruments in the orchestra. Eventually, he becomes a conductor so he can hear all the musicians playing together. Do you know what a conductor does?
Listen to a fun story about a young boy named Farkle McBride. He loves music and learns how to play a number of instruments in the orchestra. Eventually, he becomes a conductor so he can hear all the musicians playing together. Do you know what a conductor does?
Can you name the four families of instruments in the orchestra?
Can you name the four families of instruments in the orchestra?