1st Grade Black History Month Independent Work Packet (by date, latest first)

Do you need engaging listening activities for November, Autumn, or Thanksgiving? Celebrate the composers with November birthdays! This bundle includes:

• Aaron Copland (November 14th)
• Benjamin Britten (November 22nd)
• Fanny Mendelssohn (November 14th)
• Scott Joplin (November 24th)

Each Composer Resource Includes:

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 Listening Sheets:

1. Appalachian Spring
2. Four Piano Blues
3. An Outdoor Adventure
4. Down a Country Lane
5. Ceremonial Fanfare
6. Midsummer Nocturne
7. Midday Thoughts
8. Letter From Home

Benjamin Britten Listening Sheets:

1. The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
2. Simple Symphony
3. Violin Concerto No. 5
4. Spring Symphony
5. Cuckoo (Friday Afternoons)
6. Sinfonia Da Requiem
7. Cello Sonata, Op. 65
8. Ballad of Heroes

Fanny Mendelssohn Listening Sheets:

1. Notturno in G Minor
2. Italien, Op. 8 No. 3
3. Piano Sonata in C Minor
4. String Quartet in E Flat
5. Sonata O Capriccio
6. Piano Trio, Op. 11
7. Das Heimweh, Op. 8 No. 2
8. Sehnsucht, Op. 9 No. 7

Scott Joplin Listening Sheets:

1. The Entertainer
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Augustan Club Waltz
4. Kismet Rag
5. Ragtime Dance
6. Weeping Willow Rag
7. Swipesy Cake Walk
8. Silver Swan Rag

► 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!

Do you need engaging classical music activities for May and Spring? Celebrate the composers with May birthdays! This bundle includes:

• Johannes Brahms (May 7th)
• Pyotr Tchaikovsky (May 7th)
• Mary Lou Williams (May 8th)
• Claudio Monteverdi (May 15th)

Each Composer Resource Includes:

1-page Resource Guide

Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide

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.

Johannes Brahms Listening Sheets:

1. Wiegenlied
2. Hungarian Dance No. 5
3. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
4. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77
5. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
6. Cello Sonata No. 1
7. Horn Trio
8. String Quintet No. 2

Pyotr Tchaikovsky Listening Sheets:

1. 1812 Overture
2. Symphony No. 4
3. Piano Concerto No. 1
4. Serenade for Strings
5. Manfred Symphony
6. Symphony No. 3
7. Piano Concerto No. 3
8. String Quartet No. 1

Mary Lou Williams Listening Sheets:

1. Don't Blame Me
2. My Blue Heaven
3. All Blues
4. A Fungus Amungus
5. A Grand Night (sometimes spelled Nite) for Swinging
6. Scorpio
7. Gloria
8. Walkin' and Swingin'

Claudio Monteverdi Listening Sheets:

1. Damigella Tutta Bella
2. L'Arianna
3. Mass for 4 Voices
4. Lasciatemi Morire
5. Ecco Silvio, SV 97
6. E Questa Vita un Lampo
7. Zefiro Torna
8. Sestina

► 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? Six modern composers are included in this activity/listening bundle! Each composer pack includes listening sheets, a research activity page, and more! Also great for sub plans.

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Each product includes:

• 1-page Resource Guide
• Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide (Students rate with stars or seasonal shapes!)
• 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.

Composer Packs Included:

Duke Ellington

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. Mood Indigo
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

John Williams

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

Amy Beach

1. Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
2. Gaelic Symphony in E Minor
3. 'Dreaming', Op. 15, No. 3
4. Piano Trio, Op. 150
5. String Quartet in One Movement, Op. 89
6. Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 34
7. Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 45
8. Piano Quintet in in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67

Florence Price

1. Symphony No. 3 in C Minor
2. Piano Sonata in E Minor
3. Violin Concerto No. 2
4. Sonata in E Minor
5. Symphony No. 4 in D Minor
6. Violin Concerto No. 1
7. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor
8. Symphony No. 2 in G Minor

George Walker

1. Sinfonia No. 4
2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1
3. String Quartet No. 2
4. Piano Sonata No. 5
5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
6. Bleu for Unaccompanied Violin
7. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
8. Pageant and Proclamation

George Gershwin

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

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

Just print & play! Do you need engaging music activities for Jazz Appreciation Month? Each composer/musician pack includes listening sheets, a research activity page, and more! Enjoy during April for Jazz Appreciation Month or throughout the whole year! Also great for sub plans.

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Each product includes:

• 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.

Dizzy Gillespie Listening Sheets

1. A Night in Tunisia
2. The Champ
3. Stardust
4. Round Midnight
5. Blue 'N Boogie
6. Birks' Works
7. On the Sunny Side of the Street
8. Things to Come

Melba Liston Listening Sheets

1. Insomnia
2. Blues Melba
3. You Don't Say
4. Wonder Why
5. Christmas Eve
6. The Dark Before The Dawn
7. What's My Line Theme
8. Exodus

Thelonious Monk Listening Sheets

1. Bemsha Swing
2. 'Round Midnight
3. Blue Monk
4. Well, You Needn't
5. April in Paris
6. Reflections
7. Ask Me Now
8. Bye-Ya

Duke Ellington Listening Sheets

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. Mood Indigo
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

Mary Lou Williams Listening Sheets

1. Don't Blame Me
2. My Blue Heaven
3. All Blues
4. A Fungus Amungus
5. A Grand Night (sometimes spelled Nite) for Swinging
6. Scorpio
7. Gloria
8. Walkin' and Swingin'

Art Tatum Listening Sheets

1. Tiger Rag
2. Tea for Two
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Yesterdays
5. Someone to Watch Over Me
6. Moonglow
7. My Heart Stood Still
8. Night and Day

Need More Black History Month Resources?

Share stories, create conversations, and spark a deeper appreciation for the arts all month (and all year) long! Explore ALL of the Black History Month composer packs, activities, and digital resources.

Just print & play! Do you need engaging music activities for Women's History Month? Each composer pack includes listening sheets, a research activity page, and more! Also great for sub plans.

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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

Each product includes:

• 1-page Resource Guide
• Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide (Students rate with stars or seasonal shapes!)
• 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.

Composer Packs Included:

Amy Beach

1. Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
2. Gaelic Symphony in E Minor
3. 'Dreaming', Op. 15, No. 3
4. Piano Trio, Op. 150
5. String Quartet in One Movement, Op. 89
6. Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 34
7. Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 45
8. Piano Quintet in in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67

Florence Price

1. Symphony No. 3 in C Minor
2. Piano Sonata in E Minor
3. Violin Concerto No. 2
4. Sonata in E Minor
5. Symphony No. 4 in D Minor
6. Violin Concerto No. 1
7. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor
8. Symphony No. 2 in G Minor

Melba Liston

1. Insomnia
2. Blues Melba
3. You Don't Say
4. Wonder Why
5. Christmas Eve
6. The Dark Before The Dawn
7. What's My Line Theme
8. Exodus

Mary Lou Williams

1. Don't Blame Me
2. My Blue Heaven
3. All Blues
4. A Fungus Amungus
5. A Grand Night (sometimes spelled Nite) for Swinging
6. Scorpio
7. Gloria
8. Walkin' and Swingin'

Fanny Mendelssohn

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

Clara Schumann

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

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

"We do "Women Composer Wednesday" in my class-I originally found just Julia Perry, but my students commented how they liked how the worksheet helped them imagine a scene to the music! I'll get around to using the other ones as well. They enjoyed a new way to listen." - Tricia M.

Great for Composer of the Month studies!

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Just Print & Play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This listening activity pack features six listening activities in each pack! The Star Rating and Emoji guides are included as a fun reference (color/b&w.) Also great for sub plans & sub tubs!

Featured Music:

1. Pastoral, Julia Perry
2. Clarinet Sonata, Zenobia Powell Perry
3. Love Let The Wind Cry...How I Adore Thee, Undine Moore Smith
4. Here Comes the Sun, performed by Nina Simone
5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow performed by Sarah Vaughan
6. Backwater Blues performed by Bessie Smith
7. Pennies from Heaven performed by Billie Holiday
8. At Last performed by Etta James
9. Bemsha Swing, Cecil Taylor
10. Violin Concerto in G Minor, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
11. Blue Nile, Alice Coltrane
12. The Muffin Man, performed by Ella Fitzgerald

Brain Break Activities:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color their own 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!
4. 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 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.
5. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in color
6. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in black & white
7. Emoji Rating Guide in color
8. Emoji Rating Guide in black & white
9. Word Composer - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
10. 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 classical music activities? This BIG Music History Bundle includes over 2,000 pages of listening sheets (82 resources!) This bundle includes listening activities from Baroque to Modern, Black History Month, Women's History Month, and every season!

Bundle Benefits

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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

Ideas for Listening Sheets & Activities!

• Brain Breaks!
• Bulletin Board Displays
• Composer Studies
• Sub Plans
• Homework/Homebound students
• Homeschoolers/Distance Learning
• Easily add music to any theme/season

Composer Listening Packs (40 composers)

Each Composer Pack Includes:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • John Williams • Frédéric Chopin • Duke Ellington • Johannes Brahms • George Walker • Gustav Mahler • Claude Debussy • Clara Schumann • Franz Liszt • John Philip Sousa • Ludwig Van Beethoven •  Amy Beach • Melba Liston • Florence Price • Mary Lou Williams • Fanny Mendelssohn • Scott Joplin • Charles Mingus • John Coltrane • Nat King Cole • Art Tatum • Dizzy Gillespie • Charlie Parker • Thelonious Monk • Joseph Bologne • Antonio Vivaldi • Sergei Rachmaninoff • George Gershwin • Joseph Haydn • Carl P.E. Bach • Johann Christian Bach • Antonio Salieri • George Handel • Claudio Monteverdi • Henry Purcell • Antonio Scarlatti • Johann Pachelbel • Wilhelm F Bach • Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Mindful Listening (12 seasons/holidays)

Just print & play! Add a mindful music activity to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. These listening sheets are also great for sub plans - and with 150+ categorized classical pieces to choose from, there is an engaging printable for any occasion!

► Hello, January! (New Year) (30 pages)

► Sweet February (Valentine's Day) (42 pages)

► Emerald March (St. Patrick's Day) (24 pages)

► April Sunshine (Spring) (22 pages)

► May Flowers (Flowers) (24 pages)

► Woodland June (Trees) (24 pages)

► Patriotic July (4th of July) (24 pages)

► August Summer (Ocean & Earth) (26 pages)

► September Days (Autumn) (24 pages)

► Spooky October (Halloween) (60 pages)

► Calm November (Thanksgiving) (44 pages)

► Festive December (Winter) (42 pages)

Teacher Appreciation Bundle (six resource packs)

Two listening sheets are included for each piece, for a total of 174 listening activities.

► Winterreise (Schubert) (50 pages)

► Album for the Young, Op. 39 (Tchaikovsky) (50 pages)

► Four Ogives (Satie) (10 pages)

► Hungarian Rhapsodies (Liszt) (40 pages)

► Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky) (24 pages)

► Brandenburg Concertos (16 pages)

Social-Emotional Listening Bundle (five resource packs)

Just Print & Play! Four resources are included in the "Emotions in Music" bundle! These resources explore what makes a piece of music have feelings - is it the tempo? Instruments? Students record the listening experience in their own unique way!

► Excited Classical Music (47 pages)

► Sad Classical Music (47 pages)

► Happy Classical Music (47 pages)

► Calming Sunshine Classical Music (26 pages)

► Peaceful Classical Music

World Classical Music Bundle (featuring eight countries)

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This activity bundle takes listeners around the world with classical music from eight countries! Each listening pack features some of the country's most notable, distinctive, and well-loved pieces.

► Classical Music of Australia (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Canada (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Italy (26 pages)

► Classical Music of New Zealand (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Portugal (30 pages)

► Classical Music of Spain (24 pages)

► Classical Music of the United States (28 pages)

► Classical Music of France (25 pages)

► It can be hard to keep track of all the dates and eras in classical music history, so we created this freebie to help! Grab this six-page guide of composers sorted by musical period. Birthdates, birthplaces, and their famous compositions included. Get this instant download delivered right to your inbox!

Students love learning about Duke Ellington's music because his work is innovative, creative, and groundbreaking! His unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical musical elements in addition to his use of lush orchestrations and extended improvisation make every Ellington piece a unique experience.

Ellington composed over two thousand pieces in his lifetime and each one offers something new, exciting, and memorable. It's easy to see why students are so passionate about learning and exploring the amazing music of Duke Ellington!

Did You Know?

• Edward Ellington was known as the "Duke" for his suave and classy demeanor.
• He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966.
• The "Duke" was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
• "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.

Duke Ellington Classical Music Listening Activities

What’s Inside:

• Five-Star Rating Guide
• 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 contains a place for writing fun facts or notes.
• Word Composer Activity: In the classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words. Add a timer for an extra challenge.
• Birthplace Fact Sheet: Use your favorite geographical resource to find the country’s language(s), leadership, traditional foods, and more! 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.
• Composer Study Page: Students compile a short biographical page with the composer's full name, birthplace, instruments, and more!
• Composer Vocabulary A 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.
• Full Writing Page
• Writing/Drawing Page
• Drawing Page
• Listening Activity Sheets 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 additional options to identify the mood of a piece and indicate which instruments are playing.
• Weather Color & Listen Sheet: While listening to the selected piece, students can color in the weather elements they feel and hear.
• Emotions Color & Listen Sheet: Students color the character(s) that best identify their emotions while listening to the music.
• Emojis Color & Listen Sheet: Twelve emojis to choose from! Students choose the emoji faces that best match their feelings or impressions about the music.

★ Duke Ellington Classical Music Activities, Black History Month, April, Jazz

Printable Listening Sheets (four pages per piece!)

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. In a Sentimental Mood
4. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue
9. Soda Fountain Rag
10. Harlem

Resource Contents:

Composer Fact Sheet - From the composer's birthplace to the instruments they've studied, this one-page reference sheet will make a great handout for your students.

Birthplace Guide - Add in some geographical research to discover more about where the composer was born! This page includes space for writing the capital, language, and even a popular food.

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.

Printable Listening Sheet Sets Include:

1. It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing
2. In a Sentimental Mood
3. Take the 'A' Train
4. Mood Indigo
5. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
6. Perdido
7. Rockin' in Rhythm

★ BONUS FILE! Duke Ellington Carnival Listening Sheets (same music!)

These NEW activity sheets feature a carnival theme! Students can color their carnival while listening to this selection of Duke Ellington compositions!

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!

Carnival Listening Sheets Include:

1. It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing
2. In a Sentimental Mood
3. Take the 'A' Train
4. Mood Indigo
5. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
6. Perdido
7. Rockin' in Rhythm
8. Soda Fountain Rag

Duke Ellington Word Search, April Activities, Black History Month

No Prep! Do you need engaging activities to accompany your Jazz unit or Duke Ellington composer studies? Students can search for Ellington-themed words in this 15x15 word grid. 15 words can be found up, down, or across! Answer key included.

Duke Ellington Composer Activities, Black History Month, Classical Music

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

Resouce Includes:

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 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 - In 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. Mood Indigo
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

Need More Black History Month Resources?

Share stories, create conversations, and spark a deeper appreciation for the arts all month (and all year) long! Explore ALL of the Black History Month composer packs, activities, and digital resources.

Unlock the wonders of classical music with this comprehensive 24-Composer Activity Bundle! Students explore a variety of musical periods in this activity pack, from Baroque and Renaissance to Romantic and Modern, and learn about some of the most iconic composers of all time - from Bach and Vivaldi to Beethoven and Mozart!

Bundle Benefits

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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

Each Resource Pack Includes

• 1-page Resource Guide
• Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide (Students rate with stars or seasonal shapes!)
• 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 - in this classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores.

Baroque Composer Packs Included:

George Handel

Open the doors to a world of musical grandeur with George Frideric Handel! These engaging listening activities help students explore the beauty, complexity, and emotion of Handel's works. From his famous "Messiah" to the music of royal celebrations, students can learn all about the exquisite works of this iconic Baroque composer!

1. Messiah, HWV 56
2. Water Music
3. Music for the Royal Fireworks
4. Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne
5. Alexander's Feast
6. The Harmonious Blacksmith
7. Concerti Grossi, Op. 6
8. Verdi Prati

Antonio Vivaldi

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!

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

Claudio Monteverdi

Immerse your students in the beauty and complexity of Monteverdi's compositions and inspire them with his timeless music! From his groundbreaking operas to his expert madrigals, this Renaissance composer's timeless works are filled with intricacy and emotion. Students engage with his music through these fun and engaging listening activities.

1. Damigella Tutta Bella
2. L'Arianna
3. Mass for 4 Voices
4. Lasciatemi Morire
5. Ecco Silvio, SV 97
6. E Questa Vita un Lampo
7. Zefiro Torna
8. Sestina

Henry Purcell

Experience the captivating music of Henry Purcell with your students! This comprehensive activity pack makes teaching Purcell's music simple and enjoyable. With these fun and engaging activities, you can explore the beauty and complexity of Purcell's works and inspire your students with his timeless music.

1. King Arthur
2. Come, Ye Sons of Art
3. Hail! Bright Cecilia
4. Abdelazer Suite
5. An Evening Hymn
6. Lost is my Quiet
7. Fantasia Upon One Note
8. Let Us Wander Not Unseen

Domenico Scarlatti

Take your students on a journey through the enchanting music of Domenico Scarlatti! This comprehensive activity pack will make teaching Scarlatti's music fun and engaging. With interactive listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle, you can explore the genius of Scarlatti's works while inspiring a love of classical music.

1. Sonata in G Minor ("Cat Fugue")
2. Sonata in A Major, K. 208
3. Sonata in D Major, K. 140
4. Sonata in F Minor, K. 239
5. Sonata in D Major, K. 21
6. Sonata in C Minor, K. 48
7. Sonata No. 22 in A Major
8. Sonata in A Major, K. 500

Johann Pachelbel

Welcome to the magical world of Johann Pachelbel! From his famous Canon in D to his hauntingly beautiful fugues, Pachelbel's compositions have been admired and performed for centuries. This listening activity pack engages students with the elegance and timeless beauty of Johann Pachelbel's music.

1. Canon in D Major
2. Chaconne in F Minor
3. Chaconne in D Minor
4. Toccata in G Minor
5. Fugue in G Major
6. Fugue in E Minor
7. Toccata in F Major
8. Tröste uns Gott

Classical Composer Packs Included:

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Open the doors to new musical possibilities with Beethoven's compositions! This listening activity pack gives your students the tools to engage with Beethoven's brilliance. Experience the life and music of Ludwig Van Beethoven with these interactive listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle!

1. Symphony No. 9
2. Symphony No. 5
3. Bagatelle No. 25 ("Für Elise_")_
4. Piano Concerto No. 5
5. Violin Sonata No. 9
6. String Quartet No. 15
7. Piano Sonata No. 31
8. Symphony No. 1

Joseph Haydn

Enhance your classroom or homeschool with the music of Joseph Haydn! This comprehensive composer pack makes teaching Haydn's music simple and enjoyable. With multiple types of listening activities included, this resource offers all you need to explore Haydn's music and inspire your students!

1. Symphony No. 94
2. Trumpet Concerto
3. Cello Concerto No. 1
4. Symphony No. 104
5. Symphony No. 45
6. String Quartets Op. 33
7. Cello Concerto No. 2
8. Symphony No. 88

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Get ready to bring the beauty of Mozart's music into your classroom or homeschool! Our comprehensive composer pack helps make teaching Mozart easier than ever. From engaging listening activities to specialized resources to space and fairy tales, this pack contains everything you need to engage with and appreciate Mozart's work!

1. Requiem
2. Symphony No. 40
3. The Magic Flute
4. The Marriage of Figaro
5. Clarinet Concerto
6. Piano Sonata No. 16
7. Violin Concerto No. 5
8. Piano Sonata No. 8

Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach

Reveal the wonders of Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach's well-loved music with this listening activity pack! Through listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle, students can explore the complexity and emotion of Bach's classical-period works.

1. Cello Concerto in A Minor, WQ. 170
2. Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, WQ. 23
3. Flute Concerto in D Minor, WQ. 22
4. Keyboard Sonata in A Major, WQ. 55
5. Symphony in E Minor, WQ. 178
6. Symphony in E-Flat Major, WQ. 179
7. Harpsichord Concerto in C Minor, WQ. 31
8. Piano Concerto in F Major, WQ. 33

Johann Christian Bach

Immerse your classroom or homeschool in the captivating and often underrated works of the "London Bach!" Through these engaging listening activities, students discover the complexity and genius of Johann Christian Bach's most iconic compositions.

1. Harpsichord Concerto in D Major, Op. 1 No. 6
2. Cello Concerto in C Minor
3. Sonata for Flute and Piano in D Major
4. Harpsichord in F Minor
5. Bassoon Concerto in B Flat Major
6. Symphony in C Major, Op. 3 No. 2
7. Sonata for Keyboard in D Major, Op. 5 No. 2
8. Sinfonia in E-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 3

Antonio Salieri

Take your students on a journey into the brilliant world of Antonio Salieri! This engaging resource pack explores the beauty and complexity of Salieri's most famous works. From listening activities to biography pages and even a word puzzle, these interactive worksheets will inspire a deeper classical music appreciation.

1. Symphonie in D Major, "The Onomastic Day"
2. Symphonie in D Major, "La Veneziana"
3. Concerto for Flute, Oboe, and Orchestra in C Major
4. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in B Flat Major
5. Organ Concerto in C Major
6. Concertino da Camera
7. La Grotto di Trofonio (Overture)
8. Les Danaides (Overture)

Romantic Composer Packs Included:

Johannes Brahms

Open the doors to the captivating music of Johannes Brahms! From the iconic Hungarian Rhapsody to the soothing soundscape of Wigenlied, students explore the most iconic compositions of this Romantic-period composer. Immerse your classroom or homeschool in some of the world's most-loved classical music with these fun and engaging activities!

1. Wiegenlied
2. Hungarian Dance No. 5
3. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
4. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77
5. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
6. Cello Sonata No. 1
7. Horn Trio
8. String Quintet No. 2

Clara Schumann

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!

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

Franz Liszt

Explore the musical depths of iconic Hungarian composer Franz Liszt! Fun listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle engage students in classical music appreciation. From Hungarian Dance to Liebestraume, some of Liszt's most iconic compositions are featured!

1. La Campanella
2. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
3. Piano Sonata in B Minor
4. Piano Concerto No. 2
5. Liebestraume No. 3
6. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
7. Hungaria
8. Orpheus

Frédéric Chopin

Discover the enchanting musical world of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin! Students explore some of Chopin's most iconic works through engaging listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle! Unlock the genius of this Romantic-period composer for your classroom or homeschool.

1. Ballade No. 2 in F Major
2. Fantaisie-Impromptu
3. Piano Sonata No. 2
4. Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 2
5. Piano Sonata No. 3
6. Piano Concerto No. 1
7. Polonaise in A-Flat Major, Op. 53
8. Etude Op. 10, No. 12

Claude Debussy

Immerse your students in the music of 20th-century French composer and expert 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!

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

Gustav Mahler

Learning about Gustav Mahler is an incredible opportunity for students to explore the beauty of music, the power of emotion, and the culture of the Austro-Bohemian Romantics. Bring the works of this influential composer to life through engaging listening activities and create a lasting impact on students!

1. Piano Quartet in A Minor
2. Symphony No. 1 in D Major
3. Symphony No. 2 in C Minor
4. Symphony No. 3 in D Minor
5. Symphony No. 4 in G Major
6. Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor
7. Symphony No. 6 in A Minor
8. Symphony No. 7 in E Minor

Modern Composer Packs Included:

Duke Ellington

Introduce your students to the music of Duke Ellington, one of the most influential jazz composers of the 20th century! Through his innovative compositions, exciting performances, and lifelong dedication to music, Ellington has inspired generations of fans and continues to be a source of inspiration today. Bring his music to life in your classroom and help students gain an appreciation of his unique style and lasting legacy.

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. Mood Indigo
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

John Williams

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!

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

Amy Beach

Explore the wonderful world of Amy Beach's music and bring its beauty into your classroom or homeschool! Her iconic compositions encourage creative expression and a deeper appreciation for classical music. Unlock the power of Amy Beach's music and make music history memories with your students!

1. Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
2. Gaelic Symphony in E Minor
3. 'Dreaming', Op. 15, No. 3
4. Piano Trio, Op. 150
5. String Quartet in One Movement, Op. 89
6. Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 34
7. Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 45
8. Piano Quintet in in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 67

Florence Price

Explore the legacy of Florence Price's music in your classroom or homeschool! Throughout these engaging listening activities, students explore the complexity and influence of Price's iconic music. This legendary American composer will encourage a deeper appreciation of classical music history with your students.

1. Symphony No. 3 in C Minor
2. Piano Sonata in E Minor
3. Violin Concerto No. 2
4. Sonata in E Minor
5. Symphony No. 4 in D Minor
6. Violin Concerto No. 1
7. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor
8. Symphony No. 2 in G Minor

George Walker

Bring an innovative approach to your music classroom or homeschool with the contemporary works of George Walker! This comprehensive composer pack engages students in listening activities, biography pages, and even a word puzzle!

1. Sinfonia No. 4
2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1
3. String Quartet No. 2
4. Piano Sonata No. 5
5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
6. Bleu for Unaccompanied Violin
7. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
8. Pageant and Proclamation

George Gershwin

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.

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

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Explore the music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George, a pioneering composer, violin virtuoso, and champion fencer! His remarkable life story is a testament to perseverance and resilience, and his musical legacy will inspire generations. Empower your students with the knowledge of this trailblazer's inspiring life and musical achievements.

1. Symphony in G Major, Op. 11
2. L' Amant Anonyme, Ouverture
3. Violin Concerto in G Major, Op. 2, No. 1
4. Symphony Concertante in B-Flat Major, Op. 6, No. 2
5. Adagio in F Minor
6. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1
7. Concerto for Violin, Op. 7, No. 1
8. Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This BIG Back to School Bundle includes 73 full resource packs!

Jump right into the composer studies or just rest a little easier knowing you have engaging worksheets for whenever you may need them. Instant music appreciation in your sub plans? Yes, please!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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

Save time! The music selections are already curated for you. This means that you don’t have to spend hours searching for the perfect pieces of music for your lessons. You can simply choose from the pre-selected music and get started right away!

Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies. Classical music can be used to enhance a wide variety of lessons and unit studies. For example, you could use it to teach history, literature, or even math. The music can help students to understand the time period, the culture, or the concepts that you are teaching.

Students explore social-emotional themes through listening. Classical music can help students to explore a variety of social-emotional themes, such as sadness, joy, anger, and peace. By listening to the music, students can learn to identify and understand these emotions. They can also learn how to express these emotions in a healthy way.

Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students. The activities that are included in this product are low-prep and engaging. You can easily implement them in your classroom without spending a lot of time or effort! These mindful listening activities also help students to focus and to relax.

Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services. The music included in these resources is available on YouTube and other popular music services. This means that you can easily access the music and play it for your students!

No musical training is required – just print and play! There are no prerequisites for these resources. Simply print out the activities and play the music! Your students will be able to enjoy the music and learn about classical music without any prior knowledge.

Composer Listening Packs (42 composers)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • John Williams • Frédéric Chopin • Duke Ellington • Johannes Brahms • George Walker • Gustav Mahler • Claude Debussy • Clara Schumann • Franz Liszt • John Philip Sousa • Ludwig Van Beethoven •  Amy Beach • Melba Liston • Florence Price • Mary Lou Williams • Fanny Mendelssohn • Scott Joplin • Charles Mingus • John Coltrane • Nat King Cole • Art Tatum • Dizzy Gillespie • Charlie Parker • Thelonious Monk • Joseph Bologne • Antonio Vivaldi • Sergei Rachmaninoff • George Gershwin • Joseph Haydn • Carl P.E. Bach • Johann Christian Bach • Antonio Salieri • George Handel • Claudio Monteverdi • Henry Purcell • Antonio Scarlatti • Johann Pachelbel • Wilhelm F Bach • Pyotr Tchaikovsky • Aaron Copland • Charles Ives

Mindful Listening (12 seasons/holidays)

Just print & play! Add a mindful music activity to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. These listening sheets are also great for sub plans - and with 150+ categorized classical pieces to choose from, there is an engaging printable for any occasion!

► Hello, January! (New Year) (30 pages)

► Sweet February (Valentine's Day) (42 pages)

► Emerald March (St. Patrick's Day) (24 pages)

► April Sunshine (Spring) (22 pages)

► May Flowers (Flowers) (24 pages)

► Woodland June (Trees) (24 pages)

► Patriotic July (4th of July) (24 pages)

► August Summer (Ocean & Earth) (26 pages)

► September Days (Autumn) (24 pages)

► Spooky October (Halloween) (60 pages)

► Calm November (Thanksgiving) (44 pages)

► Festive December (Winter) (42 pages)

Teacher Appreciation Bundle (six resource packs)

Two listening sheets are included for each piece, for a total of 174 listening activities.

► Winterreise (Schubert) (50 pages)

► Album for the Young, Op. 39 (Tchaikovsky) (50 pages)

► Four Ogives (Satie) (10 pages)

► Hungarian Rhapsodies (Liszt) (40 pages)

► Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky) (24 pages)

► Brandenburg Concertos (16 pages)

Social-Emotional Listening Bundle (five resource packs)

Just Print & Play! Four resources are included in the "Emotions in Music" bundle! These resources explore what makes a piece of music have feelings - is it the tempo? Instruments? Students record the listening experience in their own unique way!

► Excited Classical Music (47 pages)

► Sad Classical Music (47 pages)

► Happy Classical Music (47 pages)

► Calming Sunshine Classical Music (26 pages)

► Peaceful Classical Music

World Classical Music Bundle (featuring eight countries)

Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This activity bundle takes listeners around the world with classical music from eight countries! Each listening pack features some of the country's most notable, distinctive, and well-loved pieces.

► Classical Music of Australia (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Canada (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Italy (26 pages)

► Classical Music of New Zealand (28 pages)

► Classical Music of Portugal (30 pages)

► Classical Music of Spain (24 pages)

► Classical Music of the United States (28 pages)

► Classical Music of France (25 pages)

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

"It is a great resource to add to my listening sessions. My students loved the pictures and the activities included." - Elizabeth O.

Just print & play! Do you need fun & engaging music activities for your composer units? This 12-item bundle features a composer for each birthday month, or pick & choose composers in any order. These activities and listening sheets are also great for sub plans!

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January)

1. Requiem
2. Symphony No. 40
3. The Magic Flute
4. The Marriage of Figaro
5. Clarinet Concerto
6. Piano Sonata No. 16
7. Violin Concerto No. 5
8. Piano Sonata No. 8

John Williams (February)

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

Frédéric Chopin (March)

1. Ballade No. 2 in F Major
2. Fantaisie-Impromptu
3. Piano Sonata No. 2
4. Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 2, No. 2
5. Piano Sonata No. 3
6. Piano Concerto No. 1
7. Polonaise in A-Flat Major, Op. 53
8. Etude Op. 10, No. 12

Duke Ellington (April)

1. Take the 'A' Train
2. It Don't Mean a Thing
3. Mood Indigo
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Perdido
6. Rockin' in Rhythm
7. C-Jam Blues
8. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue

Johannes Brahms (May)

1. Wiegenlied
2. Hungarian Dance No. 5
3. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
4. Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77
5. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
6. Cello Sonata No. 1
7. Horn Trio
8. String Quintet No. 2

George Walker (June)

1. Sinfonia No. 4
2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1
3. String Quartet No. 2
4. Piano Sonata No. 5
5. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
6. Bleu for Unaccompanied Violin
7. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
8. Pageant and Proclamation

Gustav Mahler (July)

1. Piano Quartet in A Minor
2. Symphony No. 1 in D Major
3. Symphony No. 2 in C Minor
4. Symphony No. 3 in D Minor
5. Symphony No. 4 in G Major
6. Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor
7. Symphony No. 6 in A Minor
8. Symphony No. 7 in E Minor

Claude Debussy (August)

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

Clara Schumann (September)

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

Franz Liszt (October)

1. La Campanella
2. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
3. Piano Sonata in B Minor
4. Piano Concerto No. 2
5. Liebestraume No. 3
6. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
7. Hungaria
8. Orpheus

John Philip Sousa (November)

1. Semper Fidelis
2. The Stars and Stripes Forever
3. The Washington Post
4. The Liberty Bell
5. La Reine De La Mer Waltz
6. The Pride of the Wolverines
7. Belle of Chicago
8. The Invincible Eagle March

Ludwig Van Beethoven (December)

1. Symphony No. 9
2. Symphony No. 5
3. Bagatelle No. 25 ("Für Elise_")_
4. Piano Concerto No. 5
5. Violin Sonata No. 9
6. String Quartet No. 15
7. Piano Sonata No. 31
8. Symphony No. 1

Each Composer Pack Includes:

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 - In 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.

8 Musical Selections (two pages per piece)

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

Just print & play! Do you need engaging listening activities or music sub plans? These printable listening sheets offer creative ways for students to learn more about the life and compositions of 20 composers! Designed with the youngest students in mind - this bundle contains handwriting practice, coloring, and drawing.

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - just print and play!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular classical music composers
• 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 Inside:

• Five Star Rating Guide
• 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 contains a place for writing fun facts or notes.
• Word Composer Activity: In the classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words. Add a timer for an extra challenge.
• Birthplace Fact Sheet: Use your favorite geographical resource to find the country’s language(s), leadership, traditional foods, and more! 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.
• Composer Study Page: Students compile a short biographical page with the composer's full name, birthplace, instruments, and more!
• 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.
• Full Writing Page
• Writing/Drawing Page
• Drawing Page
• Listening Activity Sheets 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 additional options to identify the mood of a piece and indicate which instruments are playing.
• Weather Color & Listen Sheet: While listening to the selected piece, students can color in the weather elements they feel and hear.
• Emotions Color & Listen Sheet: Students color the character(s) that best identify their emotions while listening to the music.
• Emojis Color & Listen Sheet: Twelve emojis to choose from! Students choose the emoji faces that best match their feelings or impressions about the music.

Choose composers by their birthday month or in any order at all! With 20 to choose from you can plan units for the whole year. Each composer unit includes 50 pages!

Composers Included:

01. Franz Schubert (January)

02. Gioachino Rossini (February)

03. John Williams (February)

04. Joseph Haydn (March)

05. Astor Piazzolla (March)

06. Modest Mussorgsky (March)

07. Robert Schumann (June)

08. Edvard Grieg (June)

09. Gustav Mahler (July)

10. Claude Debussy (August)

11. Leonard Bernstein (August)

12. Antonín Dvořák (September)

13. Clara Schumann (September)

14. George Gershwin (September)

15. Camille Saint-Saëns (October)

16. Aaron Copland (November)

17. John Philip Sousa (November)

18. Scott Joplin (November)

19. Carlos Gardel (December)

20. Ludwig Van Beethoven (December)

+ BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

Just print & play! Do you need engaging music activities for Black History Month? Each composer/musician pack includes listening sheets, a research activity page, and more! Enjoy during February or throughout the whole year! Also great for sub plans. There are 13 composers/musicians study packs and 12 brain break packs!

Lifetime Updates

You'll have everything you need for classical music appreciation with 372 listening activities in this activity vault. You will also receive periodic updates for this resource for free! Keep an eye on your "My Purchases" tab for update notifications.

Bundle Benefits:

• Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
• Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
• Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
• Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
• Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
• No musical training is required - print and play!

Learning Objectives

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

Composer Study Packs (13)

• 1-page Resource Guide
• Listening Sheet Star Rating Guide
• 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 - in 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.

Featured Composers/Musicians

1. Scott Joplin - The Entertainer, Maple Leaf Rag, Augustan Club Waltz, Kismet Rag, Ragtime Dance, Weeping Willow Rag, Swipesy Cake Walk, Silver Swan Rag (60 pages)
2. Charles Mingus - Nostalgia in Times Square, Boogie Stop Shuffle, Adagio Ma Non Troppo, Self-Portrait in Three Colors, Open Letter to Duke, Myself When I'm Real, E's Flat and Ah's Flat Too, Bird Calls (26 pages)
3. Duke Ellington - Take the 'A' Train, It Don't Mean a Thing, Mood Indigo, In a Sentimental Mood, Perdido, Rockin' in Rhythm, C-Jam Blues, Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue (26 pages)
4. George Walker - Sinfonia No. 4, Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, String Quartet No. 2, Piano Sonata No. 5, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Bleu for Unaccompanied Violin, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Pageant and Proclamation (26 pages)
5. John Coltrane - Countdown, Moment's Notice, Equinox, Naima, Lazy Bird, Cousin Mary, Afro Blue, After the Rain (26 pages)
6. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable, When I Fall in Love, Mona Lisa, L-O-V-E, Route 66, Autumn Leaves, Smile, Non Dimenticar (26 pages)
7. Melba Liston - Insomnia, Blues Melba, You Don't Say, Wonder Why, Christmas Eve, The Dark Before The Dawn, What's My Line Theme, Exodus (26 pages)
8. Art Tatum - Tiger Rag, Tea for Two, Over the Rainbow, Yesterdays, Someone to Watch Over Me, Moonglow, My Heart Stood Still, Night and Day (26 pages)
9. Dizzy Gillespie - A Night in Tunisia, The Champ, Stardust, Round Midnight, Blue 'N Boogie, Birks' Works, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Things to Come (26 pages)
10. Mary Lou Williams - Don't Blame Me, My Blue Heaven, All Blues, A Fungus Amungus, A Grand Night (sometimes spelled Nite) for Swinging, Scorpio, Gloria, Walkin' and Swingin' (26 pages)
11. Charlie Parker - Yardbird Suite, Blues for Alice, Scrapple from the Apple, Anthropology, Barbados, Donna Lee, Now's the Time, Bebop (26 pages)
12. Thelonious Monk - Bemsha Swing, 'Round Midnight, Blue Monk, Well, You Needn't, April in Paris, Reflections, Ask Me Now, Bye-Ya (26 pages)
13. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges - Symphony in G Major, Op. 11, L' Amant Anonyme, Ouverture, Violin Concerto in G Major, Op. 2, No. 1, Symphony Concertante in B-Flat Major, Op. 6, No. 2, Adagio in F Minor, Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1, Concerto for Violin, Op. 7, No. 1, Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major (26 pages)

Brain Break Packs

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 their own 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 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.

1-5 Star Rating Guide in color

1-5 Star Rating Guide in black & white

Emoji Rating Guide in color

Emoji Rating Guide in black & white

Word Composer - 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!

Featured Music

1. Pastoral, Julia Perry (10 pages)
2. Clarinet Sonata, Zenobia Powell Perry (10 pages)
3. Love Let The Wind Cry...How I Adore Thee, Undine Moore Smith (10 pages)
4. Here Comes the Sun, performed by Nina Simone (10 pages)
5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, performed by Sarah Vaughan (10 pages)
6. Backwater Blues, performed by Bessie Smith (10 pages)
7. Pennies from Heaven, performed by Billie Holiday (10 pages)
8. At Last, performed by Etta James (10 pages)
9. Bemsha Swing, Cecil Taylor (10 pages)
10. Violin Concerto in G Minor, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (10 pages)
11. Blue Nile, Alice Coltrane (10 pages)
12. The Muffin Man, performed by Ella Fitzgerald (10 pages)

BONUS FILE

This bundle has you covered with engaging listening activities, but what about visual learning? Grab this pack of 70 Composer Fact Sheet Posters as a free bonus! These calming rainbow-themed posters can also work as handouts, or resize them in your print settings for colorful flashcards.

Need More Black History Month Resources?

Share stories, create conversations, and spark a deeper appreciation for the arts all month (and all year) long! Explore ALL of the Black History Month composer packs, activities, and digital resources.

Do you need engaging music activities for your classroom or homeschool? This engaging resource pack features six printable (or digital!) activities to experience. Introduce or build your students' knowledge of Cecil Taylor!

Featured Music: Bemsha Swing (Approximately 7 minutes)

► What are Brain Breaks?

This resource features six activities for the featured musical piece. These work well as low/no-prep musical breaks! Pick an activity page to pair with your lesson or experience them all! Easily incorporate music into any unit or theme. There are no wrong answers, so students are free to interpret the music and their listening experiences in their own unique way.

► How to use these listening activities:

Just print and play! These engaging listening activities are easy to add to your classroom or homeschool unit plans, special events, and holiday themes. Listening sheets make a great addition to your sub plans as well. Students enjoy discussing their listening experiences and seeing their completed work displayed!

► Where to find the music:

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

► What's included in this resource:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color their own 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!
4. 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.
5. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in color
6. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in black & white
7. Emoji Rating Guide in color
8. Emoji Rating Guide in black & white
9. Word Composer - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
10. 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!

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: Clarinet Sonata

Composer: Zenobia Powell Perry

Listening Time: Approximately 3-4 minutes

What should I know about Zenobia Powell Perry?

Zenobia Powell Perry not only composed soulful symphonies and operas like "Tawawa House," but also shattered barriers for Black composers and women in the classical world. Rooted in her Oklahoma upbringing and traditions, her music incorporated spirituals, jazz, and folk influences into a tapestry of accessible, melodic works. A prolific educator and civil rights activist, Perry championed diversity in the concert hall and on the podium, inspiring generations of musicians with her vibrant compositions, unwavering voice, and unyielding commitment to inclusion.

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!

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: Pastoral

Composer: Julia Perry

Listening Time: Approximately 5 minutes

What should I know about Julia Perry?

Julia Perry's impact on classical music shines bright despite its brevity. This African-American composer defied racial barriers in the mid-20th century, captivating audiences with her neoclassical works like "Stabat Mater" and "Short Piece for Orchestra." While navigating the complex musical landscape, she subtly wove threads of African American heritage into her abstract, modernist compositions, paving the way for future generations of diverse voices in the genre. She left a legacy as a pioneer who challenged both artistic and societal norms, and her prolific catalog earned her two Guggenheim Fellowships.

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!

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: Backwater Blues

Performer: Bessie Smith

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Bessie Smith?

Bessie Smith, the undisputed "Empress of the Blues," is best known for her improvisational skill and emotional intensity that inspired singers across genres. Beyond vocal technique, Bessie's music exposed the emotional realities often absent from the world of classical music. Her songs tackled themes of poverty, love, betrayal, and resilience with unflinching honesty, paving the way for future generations of artists to bring their diverse narratives into the concert hall. The "Empress" may not have performed on grand stages or composed symphonies, but her blues laid bare the human experience in a way that resonated with audiences of all backgrounds.

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!

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: Love Let the Wind Cry... How I Adore Thee

Composer: Undine Smith Moore

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Undine Smith Moore?

Undine Smith Moore, the "Dean of Black Women Composers," wasn't just a prolific creator of over 100 vocal and instrumental works, but a trailblazer who transformed the landscape of classical music. Inspired by spirituals and folk traditions, she infused her choral pieces with rich harmonies and rhythmic vitality. She co-founded the Black Music Center and was a champion for diversity. Moore's powerful works resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her accolades and paving the way for future generations to find their voices within the classical realm.

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!

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: Violin Concerto in G Minor

Composer: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Listening Time: Approximately 31-32 minutes

What should I know about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor?

Coleridge-Taylor, a beacon of diversity in Victorian England, wove African rhythms into the tapestry of classical music, forging a path for inclusivity. His masterpiece, "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," rivaled Handel in popularity, resonating with both English grandeur and hints of pentatonic scales; a bridge between worlds.

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 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!

Introduce students to the music of Margaret Bonds!

Did You Know?

• Margaret Bonds frequently collaborated with Langston Hughes.
• She opened the Allied Arts Academy.
• She studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School.
• The "Montgomery Variations" were composed in 1965 and dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Composer Fact Sheet - From the composer's birthplace to the instruments they've studied, this one page reference sheet will make a great handout for your students.

Birthplace Guide - Add in some geographical research to discover more about where the composer was born! This page includes space for writing the capital, language, and even a popular food.

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.

Printable Listening Sheet Sets Include:

01. Troubled Water

02. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands (frequently attributed as "traditional" or "folk song," but is regarded as a Bonds spiritual composition.)

03. Three Dream Portraits, text by Langston Hughes

04. You Can Tell the World

05. Lord I Just Can't Keep from Cryin'

06. The Ballad of the Brown King, text by Langston Hughes

07. Spring Will Be So Sad (When She Comes This Year)

Need More Black History Month Resources?

Share stories, create conversations, and spark a deeper appreciation for the arts all month (and all year) long! Explore ALL of the Black History Month composer packs, activities, and digital resources.