Is It Necessary for Young Pianists to Listen to Classical Music Regularly?

Absolutely. Classical music is the foundation of all forms of modern music. Much of the best teaching material for beginners is classical. The more familiar they are with that style of music, the faster they will be in learning in their beginning years.

Unfortunately, children today, especially in the United States, are severely under-exposed to classical music. In my studio, I address this issue by sharing a piece of classical music with all my students each week via email. I believe that, as small as this effort seems to be, over time, it will have a cumulative effect on the young student. The following is a sample of something I shared recently:

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In the late 19th century, there was a new style of art called Impressionism that emerged.  Claude Debussy is a forerunner of Impressionistic music, which is characterized by being very colorful and expressive, and by the use of 7th chord harmonies.  One of his most well-known compositions for young students is the Children's Corner Suite, and Golliwog's Cakewalk is a piece from the suite.

A cakewalk is a dance that originated in the enslaved South American planations.  It's a dance contest usually held at get-togethers of the African American workers on the plantations.  The winner of the contest receives a cake.  Debussy never visited America.  But he drew inspirations primarily on ragtime and jazz.  This music is in ABA form.  The A part is a ragtime, but the B part is a musical quote from Wagner's Tristan and Isolde opera, performed in an overly emotional fashion per Debussy's instructions.  There were musical "giggles" interspersed in the B section, reflecting that Debussy was humored by the quotes himself.

Here is Golliwog's Cakewalk, performed by the masterful Italian pianist Michelangeli.  I have never heard it performed so well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkqVmIfPuo

Pianist: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

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By doing this, I not only can get students to listen to more classical music, I can introduce them to great composers and artists, and help them to learn about history and culture. All these things will contribute to helping my students to become more well-rounded musicians.