how do I get kids enthusiastic about listening?

[UETigers]

How do I get kids enthusiastic about listening to a piece of classical music? We do "listening logs" w/some of the recordings and they moan and groan when they realize it's "old people music" (to quote one student!) I try to explain that I'm a young person that loves classical, but I don't want to push my opinions on others. I also tell them they don't have to love the music they listen to, but then they still complain. I just want them to listen w/an open mind!

[Phoenix]

I get them to listen to classical pieces featured in cartoons, movies, etc. Then, they think classical is cool because it is more accessible to them.

Ask them to listen to a piece, like Holst's "The Planets" and ask them to make up a drawing or cartoon of what they hear.

[tw]

I tell kids that it's my job to teach them about all kinds of music not necessarly what they like. I tell them that it is okay if they like it or if they don't.They are not aloud to just speak out in class on how they feel about the music. They have to save it for when I ask them what they think-after I've taught whatever I was going to with the song.We are learning to respect each others opinions. My students have to be able to tell me why they like or dislike something.Not just I don't or do like it. Why?If their reason is a good one we all can understand they don't have any trouble with other students and what they think. It's working.

[dw]

Greetings all,

I'll often ask the students something like:

Why do you think this music is still around after 'x'hundred years?
Answer: Because it's that good! :^)

'Do you think people will be listening to (Justin Timberlake/Christina A., etc.) 300 years from now? They'll still be listening to Beethoven!

I tell the kids just because I (or they) don't understand something doesn't make it wrong, it just means I need to learn more about it. Kind of like math.....

I'll put classical music on when taking tests, and this seems to be the genre that most kids will begin to accept quicker than many.

[ejmcmyler]

I usually start with music that tells a story (Peer Gynt) and have the kids act out what is happening while they listen. Then I will play other pieces and ask them to create their own story that goes along with the music. I usually ask "If this music was playing in a movie, what do you think would be happening?" I will have them draw a picture while they are listening for a second time and then have everyone, or a select group, to share their ideas and pictures.

I also make an "imaginary orchestra" with the kids and have a group of kids for each instrument and tell them when they hear their instrument to pretend to play. It gives them a goal while they are listening and they are more interested and pay more attention.