When I set about creating my classical composers series, my goal was to enable young children to experience and interpret the music of famous composers for themselves. Classical music should be fun!
One of my favorite activities to use when introducing a piece of classical music is to have them conduct the music. I have the students holding rhythm sticks to imitate a conducting pattern along with the music.
This is a great activity for teaching tempo and dynamics. It is from my Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky lesson plan.
It’s very easy to do. Find an orchestral version of the Swan Lake Theme from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake.
Use a rhythm stick to imitate a conducting pattern along with this music. They make the motions smaller and gentler as the music gets softer, and bigger and broader in the louder sections. They make the motions slower or faster depending on the tempo. I’m always amazed and how well the students can keep along with the changes! Pass out rhythm sticks to see if your students can do it!
I hope you found this information helpful and can use it in your music class!