Instrument Exploration: FluteEven though it’s made of metal, the flute is a member of the woodwind family! Listen to and learn about the flute in this lesson.
Instrument Exploration: ViolaThe viola looks like the violin, but it’s just a little bigger! Learn about the viola and listen to several Class Notes artists demonstrate their instrument.
What are ENSEMBLE SKILLS?How do musicians stick together without a conductor? Help students understand and practice ENSEMBLE SKILLS in this lesson.
What are VOICE TYPES?No two voices sound exactly the same. But, all voices fall into a range. Learn about four main voice types: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass!
Virtual Concert: Instrument FamiliesPercussion, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass! These are the four families of instruments. Learn to identify which instrument belongs where in this Virtual Concert featuring a wide variety of Class Notes artists.
Instrument Exploration: SaxophoneBari, Tenor, Alto, Soprano - learn about these four saxophones in this instrument exploration lesson.
Instrument Exploration: OboeDid you know most oboe players make their own reeds? Learn about this woodwind instrument and hear what it sounds like in this instrument exploration lesson!
Instrument Exploration: ViolinThe violin is the smallest instrument in the string family! Learn to identify the violin by sight and sound! Listen to several Class Notes artists demonstrate their instrument.
Instrument Exploration: Composers and the Pipe Organ (Part Three)Compare and contrast four musical pieces written for this instrument!
Instrument Exploration: How the Pipe Organ Works (Part Two)Learn more about how the pipe organ works- part two of a three-part series!
Instrument Exploration: Meet The Organ (Part One)Meet four organists, or people who play the organ, in four different settings.
Virtual Concert: Border CrosSingBorder CrosSing is a Twin Cities-based chorale ensemble which makes music that welcomes everyone. Meet Ahmed Anzaldúa, Artistic Director and listen to this wonderful ensemble sing!
Themed Lesson: FireworksHow might a composer turn the sound of fireworks into music? Listen to six pieces inspired by fireworks. Great for all ages!
Listening Lesson: 'In Memoriam'Music and art can help process feelings surrounding difficult issues. In 2020, Sphinx Virtuosi recorded Herbert’s piece, In Memoriam in remembrance of George Floyd, Stephen Lawrence and many other victims.
Instrument Exploration: TromboneThe trombone is a member of the brass family! Learn a little about the instrument, and hear its sound in several different settings.
Virtual Concert: Afoutayi Dance, Music and Arts CompanyMeet Djenane Saint Juste and other vibrant musicians of Afoutayi Dance, Music, and Arts Company as they introduce students to music and dance from the country of Haiti. Enjoy this interactive virtual concert perfect for elementary and middle school.
Virtual Concert: Kroehm DuoKroehm Duo is a duo, which means two players. “Kroehm” is a mash-up of the players’ last names – Jenny Klukken and Steve Roehm. Learn about mallet instruments and listen to original music by this Class Notes group!
Virtual Concerts: e(L)ementHarp and flute duo, e(L)ement is made up of Karen Baumgartner and Mallory McHenry. Learn about the harp and flute while listening to this dynamic duo!
Themed Lesson: SnowComposers have tried to capture the sound of snow in their music. Listen, respond, and move to four pieces of music about snow.
Instrument Exploration: French HornDid you know the French horn isn't really French? Learn about this brass instrument and watch some videos in unique or unusual settings.
Listening Lesson: 'Mothership'Listen and respond to string instruments and soloists how improvise, in this lesson featuring Mason Bates’ “Mothership.”
Listening Lesson: Jessie Montgomery and Musical InfluenceComposer Jessie Montgomery was influenced by listening to a lot of records as a child. Look back historically on various devices used to capture music from the record player to the smart phone, and learn about some of the composer’s influences.
Dance Party: Groovy BeatsMovement helps us internalize steady beat! You can't NOT bust a move in this Groovy Dance party featuring hits from the 1950s and 1960s. Great for all ages!
Themed Lesson: Fairy TalesEngage emerging literacy skills such as character identification and use of descriptive words to compare and contrast music featuring Sleeping Beauty, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Trolls, a witch, and Prince Charming. For all ages, with support for emerging readers.
Themed Lesson: HomeThink about the meaning of "home" and hear music inspired by that idea in this listening lesson.
Instrument Exploration: BassoonThe bassoon is sometimes called the "comedian of the orchestra.” Learn about this unique woodwind instrument!
Instrument Exploration: ClarinetDid you know the clarinet is nicknamed "the licorice stick"? Learn about this woodwind instrument and enjoy several listening examples.
Themed Lesson: GhostsCute ghosts, friendly ghosts, scary ghosts! Listen to four pieces inspired by ghosts!
Instrument Exploration: MandolinThe mandolin is a string instrument that can be used in many different genres of music! Learn about the instrument and listen to it in several different styles of music.