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: At Last

Performer: Etta James

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Etta James?

Etta James, the "Matriarch of R&B," was a force of nature who carved her name in R&B and blues and across the entire landscape of music history. Her voice could channel the power of a gospel sermon, the smoky vulnerability of a jazz ballad, and the electrifying energy of a rock and roll anthem. But Etta's impact wasn't just about her incredible voice. She was a pioneer, a trailblazer who challenged racial and gender barriers at every turn. She spoke her truth through her music, tackling themes of love, loss, and resilience with unflinching honesty, giving voice to the struggles and joys of a generation.

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: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Performer: Sarah Vaughan

Listening Time: Approximately 4 minutes

What should I know about Sarah Vaughan?

While Sarah Vaughan, "The Divine One," reigned supreme in the realm of jazz, her impact on classical music resonated deeply. Her vocal virtuosity, a kaleidoscope of color and timbre, stretched beyond genre, inspiring operatic singers with its agility and jazz vocalists with its emotional resonance. Though she dreamt of opera stages, her path led her to bebop ensembles, but the classical influence lingered, evident in her flawless and meticulous phrasing. Vaughan's ability to breathe life into complex melodies, be it a Gershwin standard or a forgotten operatic aria, blurred the lines between genres, proving that musicality transcends labels and that pure vocal genius speaks a language understood by all.

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: Blue Nile

Performer: Alice Coltrane

Listening Time: Approximately 7 minutes

What should I know about Alice Coltrane?

Alice Coltrane wasn't just a pianist who married a legend; she was a sonic architect who reshaped the very canvas of music. Rising from the fertile ground of John Coltrane's revolutionary jazz, she forged her own path paved with shimmering harp glissandos, celestial organ drones, and cascading piano runs all bathed in the vibrant hues of spiritual inquiry. Her music, once nestled within the realm of "spiritual jazz," transcended labels, morphing into a cosmic tapestry where Indian chants intertwined with devotional hymns, avant-garde experimentation danced with gospel's rhythmic soul. Albums like "Journey in Satchidananda" and "Lord of Lords" were portals to inner landscapes, testaments to her spiritual journey that resonated with seekers both inside and outside the jazz world.

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!

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: 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: The Muffin Man

Performer: Ella Fitzgerald

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Ella Fitzgerald?

Ella Fitzgerald, the "First Lady of Song," wasn't just a singer; she was a jazz legend who redefined music. Her effortless mastery of vocal techniques spanned genres with ease, earning her fourteen Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement award! She could swing with Basie, scat with Dizzy Gillespie, and croon lullabies with tenderness. Her improvisational skills were legendary, her scat singing a whirlwind of syllables that danced around melodies with playful precision. Ella's impact was more than just technical brilliance. In a segregated America, she rose to international stardom, captivating audiences with her charm, warmth, and sheer musical prowess. Her artistry, a testament to both joy and resilience, became a beacon of hope for people around the world.

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: Here Comes the Sun

Performer: Nina Simone

Listening Time: Approximately 3-4 minutes

What should I know about Nina Simone?

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

What are Music Breaks?

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

How do I use these listening activities?

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

Where do I find the music?

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

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

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

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

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

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: Pennies from Heaven

Performer: Billie Holiday

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Billie Holiday?

Although Billie Holiday, the legendary "Lady Day," was a jazz icon, her influence wasn't limited to vocal technique. Her blues and ballads explored themes of poverty, social injustice, and the complexities of love with an unflinching gaze, paving the way for future generations of artists to bring their diverse narratives into the concert hall. Billie Holiday's vocal stylings were born from the grit and grace of the American experience and resonated with audiences on a deeply human level. In that profound connection lies a legacy that transcends genre and speaks to the very core of what music can be: a raw, unfiltered expression of the human spirit.

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: 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: 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!