Updated 03/12/2021
I created this listening sheet years ago but I still use it regularly in my studio. I’ve found that so many students lack the vocabulary to talk about music descriptively. They can tell you the lyrics are fun or they love the fast beat but after that, it’s hard to know what to say.
Originally Spring’s listening assignments (see this post) game me the idea for these listening sheets. I love the idea of a weekly listening assignment but honestly it probably only happens once a month, mainly at group class. Some of my students attend symphony concerts in the area but there is still so much music to be heard. Sometimes I forget the amazing tool available to listen to almost any music at home – YouTube! It’s such a remarkable teaching tool and free!
Another resource I’ve found for listening sheets was from Pianimation found here. When I made my own version of Listening Challenge Worksheets my goal was to fit everything on one page. Hopefully it saves some ink while still helping students listen more effectively. Sometimes students use these worksheets as we listen to each other perform. I’ve loved hearing students become comfortable using these musical terms and beginning to critique music more concisely.
Other times we use the worksheets as we listen to recordings on YouTube. Recently, I’ve found an amazing resource for putting together quick classical music lessons. Lessons that introduce students to composers as well as new music. Kristi Hill is a music educator who shares short music appreciation lessons on her blog about composers and their music. She often links to great YouTube recordings as well. I would also suggest signing up for her weekly newsletter/emails – she sends music ideas for the various seasons or holidays that are so cool! These have become one of my favorite emails to read each week so I know you’ll enjoy them too.
When I screen share the PDF for our virtual group classes (during COVID times), I love using the White Board on Zoom to let kids add their own pictures at the bottom of how the music made them feel. But I do look forward to coming back to in person group classes and letting them draw on their own papers again someday soon! Hope you enjoy using these worksheets with your students too!
Download :ListeningSheet1 (for Elementary Level) or ListeningSheet2 (for Intermediate Level)
I’d love to know some of the pieces you’ve had your students listen to for the listening challenges. Can you please list or post a list of your favorites used? Thanks so much!
Hello C! I updated the post to share a new resource I’m loving but I’ll try to work on gathering favorites for another post. There are so many wonderful YouTube videos to use!