An Education in Classical Music in New York City

Sitting alongside one of the world's largest natural harbours, near the mouth of the Hudson River, New York City is an American hotspot. It was founded in 1624 as a trading post for the Dutch Republic and has continued to thrive and grow ever since. Today, it is one of the United State's capitals of culture, history, education, economy, entertainment, and politics. It is also one of the most exciting cities in the world, with a leading classical music scene - making it a perfect place for those on school trips to learn about the history of music in the 'Big Apple' and its contemporary and future role in the city's landscape. While there be sure to check out Carnegie Hall, the Julliard School of Music, and Avery Fischer Hall.

Carnegie Hall - Located at 7th Avenue and 57th Street, Carnegie Hall was built by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891. School trips to Carnegie Hall will take in the history and discover it was owned by the Carnegie family until 1925. It was then passed around to various owners until it almost closed down in 1960, when the New York Philharmonic moved to Avery Fischer Hall. Today it is owned by the City and administrated by the non-profit Carnegie Hall Corporation. It is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world and has almost achieved a 'cult' status. The venue itself has several concert halls, the largest of which is the Main Hall (Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage) which seats 2, 804 and is considered the top place in America to perform.

The Julliard School of Music - While in New York on school trips to explore the city's classical music scene, a visit to the Lincoln Center is a must. Inside, the Center is home to the prestigious and ultra-selective Julliard School of Music. The school was founded in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Arts, as America didn't have an elite school to train their musicians and most had to head to Europe. Today, Julliard teaches drama, music, art and other related disciplines and is one of the most prestigious schools in the nation - with over 2,100 applicants a year and an acceptance rate of just 5.5%. The school boasts a host of famous alumni such as: Christopher Reeve, Val Kilmer, Santiago Rodriguez, Yo Yo Ma, Barry Manilow, and Phillip Glass, just to name a few.

Avery Fischer Hall - After school trips to the Julliard expose students to what studying with the culturally elite could be like, stay in the Lincoln Center and visit Avery Fischer Hall. The Hall was opened in 1962 as the Philharmonic Hall, and became home to the New York Philharmonic. With a capacity of 2,738, it hosts a plethora of events from popular music concerts, to special showings of major films, to graduation ceremonies, to being the hosting hall of choice for many international philharmonic groups as they tour the world.

Angela Bowden works for STS (School Travel Service), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trips for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. School trips with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations.

Classical Music Appreciation For Children

This may only seem like an extra to you, but please don't underestimate the importance of teaching your child to have a proper appreciation for music. A proper appreciation for music cannot be properly obtained without exposure to beautiful music. Pop, country, rock all have their place, but will just not suffice.

Think of it this way: The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart is like a six-tiered, filled and ornately decorated cake, as opposed to a popular country or pop song on the radio which is like a boxed cake mix whipped up and made in an hour. You get the idea... there is no comparison. Like it or not, quite often (not always) popular music is about what is most marketable and profitable for record companies. However, geniuses like Beethoven, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky were moved by something different, something moving in their souls. Listening to beautiful music will give your child an appreciation for what is "truly" beautiful.

Beautiful Music helps foster an appreciation for truth and beauty

Start at an early age exposing your children to beautiful artwork and music. There are so many crude and ugly things in our world, it is important that our children know how to recognize true beauty so as to lift their mind and soul to higher things.There are many programs to help you reach this goal, though none of them are necessary, if you would like to use all freebies from the library.

Music Curriculum

For music appreciation curriculum, I have enjoyed using How to Introduce Your Child to Classical Music in 52 Easy Lessons. It is easy to use and not only exposes your child to beautiful music, it hones their listening skills as they try and discern the different sections of the orchestra (brass, strings, woodwinds, etc.).

If you are wanting to teach your children more general musical theory, then Music Ace 1 & 2 software are a fun way to go. Students progress through 24 lessons on sharps, flats, pitch, durations and more. Corresponding to each lesson is a game for extra fun and practice. Music Ace 2 builds on Music Ace 1 by introducing standard notation, rhythm, melody, harmony and intervals.

Of course, private instrument lessons are always an option for those who can afford them. If not, there are many excellent "teach yourself" programs available. I know of many families whose children were self taught at a variety of instruments.

Have fun incorporating a music curriculum into you homeschool program and try to remember that it is truly an important part of your child's homeschool education and not just an "extra."

Jeanette Steiner is a single homeschooling mom who has been teaching her (7) children for 12 years. To read more informative articles with tips and advice like the ones in this article, please click here: http://www.homeschoolmusiccurriculum.com

Exploring Milan's Classical Music Scene

After a day of visiting galleries, shopping, and an exclusive dinner at one of the city's renowned Michelin starred restaurants, why not venture a little further from your Milan centre hotel for a touch of classical entertainment? Milan boasts a plethora of world-class opera houses and theatres, many of which have changing seasonal programs, so you can see something new every time you visit. With some well-respected orchestras and world-renowned venues, Milan is guaranteed to offer you a reason to don your Manolos and Cavalli and have the car drop you at the entrance to any of these stunning theatres.

La Scala Opera Theatre - Just a short hop away from any of the high-end Milan centre hotels is the beautiful La Scala Opera Theatre, hosting a mixed program of ballet, orchestral, and operatic performances. La Scala Opera Theatre was built on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala and originally sat over 3,000. It has been in operation since 1778, even surviving extensive bomb damage during WWII. It closed in the winter of 2001 for renovations designed by Mario Botta, and re-opened in 2004 to great acclaim for the improvement in sound quality. La Scala has seen some of the most important productions in the world grace its stage in the 233 years since it first opened its doors, including the premieres of Un Giorno di Regno (1840), Madame Butterfly (1904), and, most recently, Teneke (2007). It is currently home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet, and the La Scala Theatre Orchestra.

The Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi - Located a quick car ride south-west of the city centre, the Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo is the home of the La Verdi, Milan's orchestra. It is not as old as the La Scala, or even some of the Milan centre hotels, only being founded in 1993 and becoming the home of La Verdi in 1998. But over this short span it has managed to quickly become one of the cultural hotspots of Milan. With its season tickets and monthly programs, there is nothing like a bit of high-class culture at the La Verdi to top off a trip to one of the most culturally elite cities in the world.

The Teatro Dal Verme - If you have had your fill of nights out and large orchestral productions, then ask your Milan centre hotel concierge to book tickets to the smaller, more intimate Teatro Dal Verme. This theatre opened with seating for 3,000 in 1872, and enjoyed success almost on par with the La Scala, however it sustained heavy damage during the war. Major renovations to the building were completed in 2001, which saw the Great Hall's capacity reduced to 1,420 seats, and added another small performance room with seating for just 200. It now hosts the symphonic seasons of 'The Orchestra Musical Afternoons' and a range of theatrical events. It is a great way to spend an elegant and relaxing afternoon in Milan.

Looking for a Milan centre hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Milan centre hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Classical Music

Classical music, like other forms of classical art, has not as many takers as those of light music. Nonetheless, classical music has its fans too and lots more are falling to its charms. Yet, those who turn to it often find it rather beyond their understanding and real appreciation. They are charmed by it, but they cannot critically explain why it appeals them. You cannot rationalize its appeal or beauty.

Another reason why a large majority of people are not very comfortable with classical music is its complexity and a sense of distance from the artist. Light music can be easily sung by ordinary artists with whom ordinary listeners can identify easily. It expresses the feelings of ordinary persons in their own language. Classical music, on the other hand, is rather mysterious and is rendered in diverse styles and it takes years, sometimes a life long time to understand .But its study has its rewards too. The more you study it, the more you enjoy it and the more you find it wonderful and worth the effort and hard work to study it.

The study or appreciation of classical music depends upon your individual taste. A form of music that appeals to you may not appeal to another person. You may come across experts who may try to influence you by their judgments about the quality of music. You may listen to them, but you should not compel yourself to like the music that they like. Or if you come across a much-acclaimed piece of music that you cannot really appreciate, you do not have to blame yourself for not liking it. You may of course try to find out why the particular expert likes a given piece of music. May be, you find some point to learn.

The most important thing about classical music is to listen to it as much as you can. Classical music CDs are available from many sources. If you are a student, your college library may have an abundant stock of classical music CDs. You can listen to radio, watch TV, and go to concerts and recitals. You can also get free downloads from the Internet, if you do not want to spend money.

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