Sub Friendly

Virtual Concert: Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea is a violinist and songwriter from Duluth, MN. Meet Gaelynn and learn a little about her disability and how she adjusts to play the violin!

What are INSTRUMENT FAMILIES?

We can group instruments into four families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Sing and play a game to learn the characteristics of each instrument family!

Instrument Exploration: Piano

The piano has 88 keys! Explore how sound is made on this keyboard instrument.

Instrument Exploration: Flute

Even 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: Viola

The 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.

Virtual Concert: Vocal Music

Four different vocal ensembles are featured in this Virtual Concert. Help students practice their role as the audience while listening to vocal music from a variety of cultures. The teacher plays Concert Host in this engaging Virtual Concert.

Music & Literacy: Create a Musical Story

Literacy meets music in this creative, hands-on lesson. Use favorite books and vocal and instrument exploration to create a musical soundtrack.

Virtual Concert: Instrument Families

Percussion, 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.

What is an AUDIENCE?

There are two roles in a musical performance: the role of the performer(s) and the role of the audience! Learn about both in this lesson!

Instrument Exploration: Saxophone

Bari, Tenor, Alto, Soprano - learn about these four saxophones in this instrument exploration lesson.

Instrument Exploration: Oboe

Did 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: Violin

The 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: Heliopsis

Heliopsis is a musical duo featuring Mikey and Nyttu. Learn about the cello and some percussion instruments in this Class Notes Virtual Concert.

Music & Math: Numbers

Composer Shruthi Rajasekar was inspired to write a piece of music that helps us explore and think about all the ways numbers influence our lives.

Virtual Concert: Border CrosSing

Border 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!

What is a NOCTURNE?

Nocturnes are special pieces of music inspired by nighttime! Tap into a calm, peaceful feeling as you learn some defining features and listen to musical examples. For grades K-8.

Themed Lesson: Stars

Have you ever gone outside to look at the stars at night? Stargazing has inspired poets, musicians, and artists. Listen to and reflect upon music inspired by stargazing. For all ages.

cn themed lessons thumbnails-dreams-landscapes

Themed Lesson: Landscapes

Composers often depict images of nature or a landscape through music and sound. Listen to some music inspired by different landscapes.

Themed Lesson: Fireworks

How might a composer turn the sound of fireworks into music? Listen to six pieces inspired by fireworks. Great for all ages!

Themed Lesson: Summer

Whether it’s the middle of winter and you’re looking for a taste of summer or it’s the end of June and students are itching for freedom, our curated summer playlist allows students to pretend to go on a picnic, hike, or gaze at the stars.

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.

What is OPERA? (Part One)

Opera is for everyone- including kids! Our host Victoria explains what opera is, then introduces you to three opera singers. Perfect for elementary ages.

Virtual Concert: Featuring Women Composers

Meet some notable women composers who have contributed to classical music over the past 100+ years.

Instrument Exploration: Trombone

The trombone is a member of the brass family! Learn a little about the instrument, and hear its sound in several different settings.

Virtual Concert: Featuring Black Musicians

Black musicians have shaped and defined every aspect of American music. This virtual concert offers a small starting place to start investigating some notable Black performers and composers.

Virtual Concert: Afoutayi Dance, Music and Arts Company

Meet 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 Duo

Kroehm 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!

YourClassical is a public media organization and your support makes it possible.

This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Learn more