Less than $5 1st Grade Arts & Music Independent Work Packet (by date, oldest first)

This adorable and fun freebie includes 3 fun pages for Valentine's Day! 2 coloring pages and 1 "Things I Love" activity sheet. I hope you enjoy this freebie!

Doodling is great fun, but it also provides many developmental benefits for children. Doodling helps kids of all ages to develop and refine their fine motor skills, which is essential for writing, cutting and many other activities that children will do throughout their lives. In addition, doodling encourages visual analysis, increases the ability to concentrate, and boosts creative thinking. And of course, it’s just plain fun!

This packet includes 50 pages of doodle starters to inspire children.

Some ways to use these pages:

Give children a doodle page when they need a brain break.

Print just the pages you want to enhance a classroom theme or concept that you are studying.

Have the pages available for students who finish a lesson early.

Put them in your sub tub.

Use these in your “calming corner” for children who need help with self-regulation

Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a captivating musical journey for students to experience. This suite of pieces based on artwork is a perfect introduction to classical music, as it offers a wide variety of beautiful melodies, delicate harmonies, and thrilling orchestrations. 

Mood: captivating, dynamic, and evocative

Composer: Modest Mussorgsky was a Russian composer known for his powerful and evocative works exploring various themes of life through music.

Featured music with two listening activity pages per piece:

1. The Gnome
2. The Old Castle
3. Tuileries
4. Cattle
5. Battle of Unhatched Chicks
6. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle
7. Limoges. The Market
8. Catacombs
9. The Hut on Hen's Legs
10. The Bogatyr Gates

Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.

Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

Get ready for your students to experience the genius of one of the greatest composers of the 20th century! Fun listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle engage students in classical music appreciation. From Rhapsody in Blue to An American in Paris, some of Gershwin's most iconic compositions are featured in this resource pack.

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of George Gershwin
• familiarity with the composer's works
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of classical music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within classical music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the musician's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Musician Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Musician Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Rhapsody in Blue
2. An American in Paris
3. Someone to Watch Over Me
4. Concerto in F
5. Foggy Day
6. Cuban Overture
7. Walking the Dog

Just print & play! Do you need engaging Beethoven activities or music sub plans? These printable coloring sheets offer a mindful listening experience. Students listen to each piece and color in their rating. (A gumball rating guide is included!)

What's Included:

• Gumball Color Rating Guide
• Sweet Symphonies! - students will color in their gumball rating while listening to each symphony.
• Candy Concertos! - explore this collection of the composer's concertos while coloring on a page full of candy!

► We know you'll love helping students create meaningful connections to classical music, so we are happy to share these free listening activities with you today!

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the award-winning compositions of Danny Elfman!

Themes: Film, Movies, California, American Composers

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. The Breakfast Machine
2. The Batman Theme
3. Watching Time
4. The Piano Duet
5. Men in Black Theme
6. Alice's Theme
7. Castle on the Hill
8. Fireside Dance

"This is a great resource! I used it in a lesson on our Composer of the Month of January! Thanks for creating!" - The Farns

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Celebrate the birthday and achievements of Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

What’s Inside:

Composer Fact Sheet: Each composer fact sheet in this series includes fun, basic information – full name, birthplace, birth date and more. One of the composer’s most popular compositions is also included. The fact sheet also lists one or more of the composer’s known associates.

Birthplace Fact Sheet: Introduce the composer’s birthplace with a very light research paper. Use your favorite geographical resource to find the country’s capital city, size, language, and traditional foods. The historical name of some territories may have changed, but the most modern country is used for easy reference.

Birthday Coloring Page: A fun coloring page repeats the composer’s birthday, and invites the artist to color in a special cupcake to celebrate the occasion.

Birth Month Vocabulary This small list of six vocabulary words will contain terms related to the composer’s birthday season. Ranging from Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – to rain, flowers, snow, and everything in between.

Composer Vocabulary Another six-word vocabulary list that typically includes the composer’s name, birthplace, instrument, or other related terms. Space is provided to trace each term and the included handwriting paper can be used for additional practice.

Numbers & Letter Tracing The numbers and letter tracing sheet offers additional handwriting practice.

Handwriting & Story Pages Two types of blank paper are included, either for continued practice of vocabulary words or for story writing.

Listening Activity Sheets (4) Listening sheets include the title of a popular piece, the composer, a black & white composer to color in, and a space for drawing any scene that may come to mind when listening. There are also additional options to identify the mood of a piece and indicate which instruments are playing.

Listening Sheets Included:

1. Rondo Alla Turca
2. Clarinet Concerto
3. Piano Concerto No. 20
4. Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

► We know you'll love helping students create meaningful connections to classical music, so we are happy to share these free listening activities with you today!

Explore the music of John Williams, the legendary composer behind the world's most iconic film scores! With these engaging listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle - you can bring the works of John Williams to life in your classroom or homeschool!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of John Williams
• familiarity with the composer's works
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of classical music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within classical music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. The Imperial March
2. Hedwig's Theme
3. Horn Concerto
4. Flight to Neverland
5. Journey to the Island
6. The Throne Room
7. Princess Leia's Theme
8. The Raiders March

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the music of this composer! The music of Duke Ellington is featured in this Ella Fitzgerald mini activity pack! Ella was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. She is known as "The Queen of Jazz!"

Themes: USA, American composers, Women's History Month, Black History Month

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. The E and D Blues

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Immerse your students in the music of 20th-century French composer and pioneer of Impressionism, Claude Debussy! This pack of engaging listening activities brings the vibrant sounds of impressionist music to your classroom or homeschool. Your students will experience the beauty and complexity of Debussy's works while gaining a deeper appreciation of classical music history!

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Clair de Lune
2. La Mer (The Sea)
3. Suite Bergamasque
4. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
5. The Snow is Dancing
6. Serenade of the Doll
7. Petite Suite
8. String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10

Just print & play! Do you need engaging November/Thanksgiving/Autumn activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the classical compositions of Fanny Mendelssohn!

Composer Birthday:

Fanny Mendelssohn - November 14

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide (Students rate with pumpkins!)

Listening Sheets

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Composer Biography Page - fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes!

Composer Research Sheet - students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country.

Composer Rating Activity - there are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to.

Word Composer Activity - the classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their score.

Fanny Mendelssohn Musical Selections: (two pages per piece)

01. Notturno in G Minor

02. Italien, Op. 8 No. 3

03. Piano Sonata in C Minor

04. String Quartet in E Flat

05. Sonata O Capriccio

06. Piano Trio, Op. 11

07. Das Heimweh, Op. 8 No. 2

08. Sehnsucht, Op. 9 No. 7

Discover the timeless music of Clara Schumann with this comprehensive composer pack! Through these engaging worksheets, students explore the beauty and complexity of Schumann's works - all while gaining a greater appreciation for classical music history!

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Three Romances for Violin and Piano
2. Piano Trio
3. Impromptu in E Major
4. Lorelei
5. Piano Concerto No. 1
6. Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17
7. 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 16
8. Romanze in A Minor

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Celebrate the birthday and achievements of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin!

What’s Inside:

Composer Fact Sheet: Each composer fact sheet in this series includes fun, basic information – full name, birthplace, birth date and more. One of the composer’s most popular compositions is also included. The fact sheet also lists one or more of the composer’s known associates.

Birthplace Fact Sheet: Introduce the composer’s birthplace with a very light research paper. Use your favorite geographical resource to find the country’s capital city, size, language, and traditional foods. The historical name of some territories may have changed, but the most modern country is used for easy reference.

Birthday Coloring Page: A fun coloring page repeats the composer’s birthday, and invites the artist to color in a special cupcake to celebrate the occasion.

Birth Month Vocabulary This small list of six vocabulary words will contain terms related to the composer’s birthday season. Ranging from Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – to rain, flowers, snow, and everything in between.

Composer Vocabulary Another six-word vocabulary list that typically includes the composer’s name, birthplace, instrument, or other related terms. Space is provided to trace each term and the included handwriting paper can be used for additional practice.

Numbers & Letter Tracing The numbers and letter tracing sheet offers additional handwriting practice.

Handwriting & Story Pages Two types of blank paper are included, either for continued practice of vocabulary words or for story writing.

Listening Activity Sheets (4) Listening sheets include the title of a popular piece, the composer, a black & white composer to color in, and a space for drawing any scene that may come to mind when listening. There are also additional options to identify the mood of a piece and indicate which instruments are playing.

Listening Sheets Included:

1. Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35
2. Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2
3. Fantaisie Impromptu
4. Minute Waltz Op. 64, No. 1

► We know you'll love helping students create meaningful connections to classical music, so we are happy to share these free listening activities with you today!

Take your students on a journey of discovery with Antonio Vivaldi's music! This listening activity pack explores the vibrant energy and complexity of Vivaldi's works. Through fun listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle, students can fully engage with the genius of this Baroque composer!

Themes: Italy, Venice, Baroque, Violin

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Gloria
2. Magnificat
3. Mandolin Concerto in C Major
4. Concerto Alla Rustica
5. Lute Concerto in D Major
6. Concerto for Strings in G minor
7. La Senna Festeggiante
8. Piano, Gemo

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? Classical Woodland Story listening sheets combine music appreciation with a whimsical outdoor theme! Students compose their epic tale by choosing nature-themed objects and characters inspired by the music.

There’s also a drawing box for students to capture a scene from their imaginations. Discuss and display for further engagement!

Featured Compositions:

1. Morning Mood, Edvard Grieg
2. The Swan, Camille Saint-Saëns
3. Clair de Lune, Claude Debussy
4. The Five Sacred Trees, John Williams
5. Song of the Earth, Gustav Mahler
6. Earth Dances, Harrison Birtwistle
7. Earth and the Great Weather, John Luther Adams
8. 'Raindrop' Prelude, Frédéric Chopin
9. Flight of the Bumblebee, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
10. Oiseaux Exotiques, Olivier Messiaen

What's Included:

Story Guide – an illustrated chart with each character/object

10 Woodland Story Listening Sheets

10 Woodland Story Drawing Pages

Take a deep dive with your students into the classical music appreciation world of Clara Schumann! These open SEL activities invite students to color their listening experience while hearing the selected music. Each selected piece of music has a unique ocean scene to explore. Check out the preview above for a closer look!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by choosing colors related to a musical theme

You'll find five unique ocean scenes for students to explore: mermaids, jellyfish, deep sea divers, starfish, and sea turtles. Students choose from emojis and seasonal nature-themed images to color, in addition to bubbles, fish, and other underwater surprises. There are no wrong answers!

Featured Classical Music

1. Piano Trio in G Minor
2. Sonata in G Minor
3. Romanze in A Minor
4. Lorelei
5. Piano Concerto No. 1

These ocean-themed listening activities are easy to implement - just print and play! The music is readily available on YouTube and your favorite streaming services. No musical training is required making these great for sub plans and summer send-home packets!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the "Father of Native American Composition," Louis Ballard - a member of the Quapaw and Cherokee Nations.

Themes: Indigenous Peoples Day, Native American Composers

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"

Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.

Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.

Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.

Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.

Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

1. Four American Indian Preludes
2. Ritmo Indio
3. Katcina Dances

► We know you'll love helping students create meaningful connections to classical music, so we are happy to share these free listening activities with you today!

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This listening activity pack features the music of composers from the United States! Explore their amazing contributions with this collection of listening sheets.

Printable Listening Sheets Include: (two pages per piece)

1. Appalachian Spring, Aaron Copland
2. Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin
3. Blue in Green, Miles Davis
4. Take the 'A' Train, Duke Ellington
5. The Entertainer, Scott Joplin
6. Journey to the Island, John Williams
7. Central Park in the Dark, Charles Ives
8. Ice Dance, Danny Elfman
9. Piano Trio, Op. 150, Amy Beach
10. Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Florence Price
11. Serenata, Leroy Anderson
12. Stars and Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa
13. Olympic Fanfare (1984,) John Williams

Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.

Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Here Comes the Sun

Performer: Nina Simone

Listening Time: Approximately 3-4 minutes

What should I know about Nina Simone?

Though Nina Simone's fire blazed brightest in jazz, blues, and civil rights anthems, her classical training cast a luminous spell on her music. Bach's counterpoint echoed in her improvisations, her voice a captivating blend of operatic power and raw blues expression. Simone wasn't afraid to weave Bach fugues into pop ballads, nor to infuse gospel fervor into Shakespearean sonnets. She dared to push the limits of genre, challenging concert halls and paving the way for generations of artists to embrace their own multifaceted identities within the musical landscape. Simone's legacy is a testament to the breathtaking possibilities that arise when classical training collides with the audacity of artistic freedom.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Just print & play! Do you need engaging November/Thanksgiving/Autumn activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the classical compositions of Aaron Copland!

Composer Birthday:

Aaron Copland - November 14

What's Included:

1-page Resource Guide

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide (Students rate with pumpkins!)

Listening Sheets

Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets

Composer Biography Page - fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes!

Composer Research Sheet - students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country.

Composer Rating Activity - there are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to.

Word Composer Activity - the classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their score.

Aaron Copland Musical Selections: (two pages per piece)

01. Appalachian Spring

02. Four Piano Blues

03. An Outdoor Adventure

04. Down a Country Lane

05. Ceremonial Fanfare

06. Midsummer Nocturne

07. Midday Thoughts

08. Letter From Home

★ Easel Activity ★ Pair an engaging digital listening board with these musical selections! Students use the highlight tool to choose from keyword lists that describe their listening experience. An answer box at the bottom allows students to write a brief description of their thoughts and feelings. Using the pen or any design tool provided, students can decorate a scene or upload an image to the frame! Each board features colorful clipart related to the music. As always, there are no wrong answers. Students can choose any combination of descriptors.