Getting the Most From Classical Music: Try This!

Listening to classical music can bring much joy, meaning, and solace to one's life. It can also be overwhelming or confusing! The following two-step process will better your listening experience.

1) Hum a memorable part in the music. Let's say you are listening to a recording of a symphony. Perhaps it's a recording of a piano concerto. When you hear something interesting, memorable, or moving, pause the track. Write down the time stamp (the minutes and seconds) for that part, and see if you can hum it back to yourself. Is it an idea that the violins played? Was it a series of low notes or a big swell in the sound? Take note. Then, press play. Repeat the process if needed. What made the moment memorable to you? Why?

2) Test your memory of a part. For an added challenge, see if you can remember a single musical moment as you listen to an entire recording. Pause the track when you first hear something interesting or moving. Write down the time stamp. Hum the memorable moment to yourself as described above. Press play again. A few seconds or minutes later, pause the track, and see if you can recall the initial interesting part from before. Can you hum that same memorable moment back to yourself? If not, rewind the recording to the time stamp you wrote down and listen again. 

Sometimes it's difficult to keep track of the interesting ideas that a composer explores within one piece. By attempting to hum just one interesting idea, you can strengthen your understanding of a piece - as well as your endurance for listening to the music. Does your memorable moment come back throughout the piece? Does it inspire similar ideas? It's alright if you need to refer back to the time stamp that you wrote down!

Soon you'll be able to identify (and perhaps memorize!) many moments from specific pieces of music. By referring to your notes, or learning certain parts by heart, you'll strengthen your appreciation of the music. You'll be able to associate different musical ideas with the names of classical pieces. You'll know what specific pieces mean to you, and what magic they hold.

For more ideas and to join a community of kindred spirits, visit www.instagram.com/anjawademusicstudio. Happy exploring! 

© Anja Wade Music Studio 2024