Description
The Montessori approach to music is based upon the understanding that young children learn, first through their experiences, and then through their senses. Children engage simultaneously through their ears and eyes, voice and hands, as well as their body and soul. The whole of the Child is actively involved in the entire musical experience, (courtesy AMI, The Montessori Approach to Music). The Famous Composers – 3 Part Cards, is a great way to support this journey.
This activity introduces the Child to 10 famous composers, each one is beautifully illustrated, with some in colour. The teacher presents this work as:
- a 3-part card exercise
- the control cards list vital information; about the composer; on the back of each one, and include famous works, the musical period, and interesting facts.
- this is reference material for the teacher
The Musical Period, Composer and Famous Works:
Modern | Classical | Romantic | Musical Impressionism | Late Baroque |
Leonard Bernstein | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | Achille – Claude Debussy | Johann Sebastian Bach |
West Side Story (1957) | Requiem Mass (1791) | Swan Lake (1877) | Clair de Lune (1905) | The Mass in B Minor (1749) |
Features of the Famous Composers – 3 Part Cards:
- the direct objectives for the Child are to:
- build an understanding of famous composers
- appreciate the different musical periods
- indirectly, the Child learns to:
- express emotions and improve their verbal communication
- develop creative skills
- improve their focus and concentration
- develop self-expression and their self-esteem
- this activity form part of the Montessori language and music curriculums
Contents of the Famous Composers – 3 Part Cards:
- 10 sets of classified cards, each set has a control card, mute (image) card and label
- the control card, lists details about the composer,
- when he lived
- the musical period he worked in
- notable works, composed during the composer’s career
- interesting facts
- the cards are stored in an A6 transparent, plastic envelope to store them on the Montessori shelf
“We tend to think that the realm of music is the privileged area of some happy few. Experience has taught us, however, that if offered, the right kind of education from a very early age onwards, anyone is capable of entering the realm of music. Not everyone has the talent to practise music at an artistic level, or create new work, but everyone can reach a stage where they can enjoy it.” The Montessori approach to Music, p.1. Maria Montessori.
Attributions for the Famous Composers – 3 Part Cards: Image of Claude Debussy, attributed to Jack Mitchell
Suggested Activities for the Child:
- Choose a Composer of the Month. Choose composers that relate to your continent studies and incorporate them. i.e. North America? Select Leonard Bernstein and play one of his compositions to the class.
- Think creatively. For example, Johann Sebastian Bach went blind. Let the class wear blindfolds and try to beat a drum or triangle in time to one of his compositions.
- Discover mood. Ask the Child to describe the mood or emotions that the music evokes – sad? happy? silly? tired? angry? They must verbalise their feelings and explain why they feel like that.
- Inspiration. Most of the classical pieces of music are not bound by copyright laws. The guide can select one of the famous pieces of music play it to the children, and then ask them to discuss their emotions. As the same piece of music is played for the second time, children could paint a picture that best explains their feelings.
Size:
- control card – 13.5cm x 9cm / (5¼” x 3½”)
- plastic envelope – 18cm x 13cm x 0.05cm / (7″ x 5″ x ¼”)
Annabelle D (verified owner) –
I love the information at the back of the card. Great for the older children. I made a compilation of the music works that the activity mentions and it works well.