“A mediocre music teacher tells. A good music teacher explains.
A superior music teacher demonstrates.
A great music teacher inspires. ”
September is Classical Music Month! 1994 President Bill Clinton proclaimed Classical Music Month to be honored in September. Although classical music falls into a category much different from today's popular music, it ultimately led to the music we create today and is the foundation for all music played.
What are the benefits for students and Classical Music within the Back-to-School Season?
• Stress - Classical music can help reduce stress levels, which can be helpful during busy times of the year.
• Sleep - Listening to classical music can also benefit sleep patterns.
• Brain health - Classical music helps with problem-solving, memory, and spatial temporal reasoning skills. It stimulates the brain's "targeted memory reactivation" process, which helps consolidate memories.
• School performance - Studies have shown that classical music can improve children's performance in school.
• Back-to-school playlists Some radio stations have playlists of school-inspired classical music that span centuries.
When people think of classical music, they often consider it to come from one period or era when great composers created lasting works. However, classical music is more than just one extensive period. It is separated into smaller periods, each with its unique differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!
What are the Classical Music Periods?
Please note: these periods are estimates since there are no exact dates for when each occurred.
Medieval (500ish - 1400)
Gregorian chants and organum were forms of music from the early part of this period. Composers from this period included Hildegard von Bingen and Guillaume de Machaut.
Renaissance (1400/1450 - 1600)
During this time, many new ideas developed. The printing press, invented in the 1400s, also helped print and distribute music. Composers received more freedom from the church, which
encouraged experimentation. Composers: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, and Josquin Des Prez.
Baroque (1600 - 1750)
This period created the concerto, cantata, oratorio, and sonata. The music was very fancy, and the instruments advanced during this period.
Composers: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi.
Classical (1750/1775 - 1820)
Classical composers created more straightforward, cleaner music than Baroque composers. They focused on melody and dynamics and added woodwinds to the orchestra.
Composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and Franz Joseph Hayden.
*Note: Beethoven's was considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods
Romantic (1820 - 1910)
The Romantic era produced very expressive and emotional works. The orchestra also grew during this period as the woodwind and brass sections expanded.
Composers: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms.
How To Observe Classical Music Month!
There are plenty of ways to celebrate. Find classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. Those who already play can perform classical music for themselves and others. Attend a concert to reap the full benefit of classical music. If you're in school, consider joining a band or a music club. You can also learn to play an instrument, such as piano, cello or violin!