Homeschool Music Study Made Simple: 10 Classical Pieces Every Family Should Know
- lisa thornton
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
Music study doesn’t have to feel overwhelming in your homeschool. Between math lessons, laundry, and toddlers underfoot, adding in composer study might sound like “one more thing.” But the Charlotte Mason approach reminds us that music should be simple exposure, enjoyed in short lessons, and woven into the beauty of daily life.
I studied the flute all the way through to a Master’s of Music, so classical music is something close to my heart. My girls don’t always share my passion, but over the years I’ve learned how to make music study enjoyable for the whole family. We keep it light, often pairing it with art on Fridays, or simply listening while the little ones dance around the living room.
The key to Charlotte Mason inspired music study is this: little by little, children learn to recognize great works and great composers. No long lectures or complicated worksheets needed. Just listening, noticing, and enjoying.
To help you start, I’ve created a list of 10 beautiful pieces of classical music every homeschool family can enjoy. Each piece comes with a few facts about the composer and a “what to listen for” section you can share with your kids. And to save you time, you can also grab my free Classical Music Listening Guide with direct YouTube links so you can press play without hunting them down yourself.
Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (First Movement) for Homeschool Composer Study
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Why it matters for homeschool music study: Beethoven kept composing even as he lost his hearing — a story that inspires resilience.
The opening “da-da-da-DUM” notes repeat throughout the piece.What to listen for: Count how many times those famous four notes return.
Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Charlotte Mason Inspired Listening
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Why it matters: Bach balanced a busy home with 20 children while writing music that still amazes us.
His pieces feel like musical puzzles, instruments weaving together.What to listen for: Notice how each instrument seems to “talk” to the others.
Rimsky-Korsakov – Flight of the Bumblebee: Fun Music for Kids
Composer: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908)
Why it matters: Music can paint pictures — in this case, a buzzing bee.
Often played at lightning speed!What to listen for: Does it sound like a bee buzzing around the room? Let your kids flap or run to the music.
Grieg – In the Hall of the Mountain King: Dramatic Composer Study
Composer: Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
Why it matters: This piece shows how music can tell a story — sneaking quietly, then rushing faster and faster.What to listen for: The sneaky beginning that builds into a wild chase.
Tchaikovsky – 1812 Overture: A Homeschool Music Favorite
Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
Why it matters: Famous for cannons and bells, this is music history kids never forget.What to listen for: Explosions, bells, and triumphant themes — perfect for kids to imagine fireworks or battles.
Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Simple and Joyful Listening
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Why it matters: Mozart wrote over 600 works in his short life and was a child prodigy.What to listen for: A light, cheerful melody that’s easy to hum.
Vivaldi – The Four Seasons: “Spring” for Charlotte Mason Inspired Study
Composer: Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
Why it matters: Music that paints a picture of seasons — bird calls, streams, and even thunderstorms.What to listen for: Can your children pick out the “bird” sounds in the violin?
Rossini – William Tell Overture: Music That Gallops
Composer: Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868)
Why it matters: The finale is famous as The Lone Ranger theme and sounds like horses racing.What to listen for: The galloping rhythm — let the kids run around like horses.
Debussy – Clair de Lune: Gentle Composer Study for Quiet Moments
Composer: Claude Debussy (1862–1918)
Why it matters: A peaceful piano piece that captures mood instead of strict form.What to listen for: The soft, flowing notes like moonlight on water.
Saint-Saëns – Carnival of the Animals: Aquarium and The Swan
Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
Why it matters: Each movement represents an animal — perfect for homeschool nature connections.What to listen for: Sparkling water in Aquarium and the graceful cello in The Swan.
Homeschool Music Study Can Be Simple
These pieces are a gentle way to bring composer study into your homeschool. Whether you use them during art time, nature study, or even just over lunch, your kids will slowly begin to recognize and love these great works.
If you’d like to go deeper, I’ve created two Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool music studies:
Carnival of the Animals Study – Explore all 14 movements with background, listening notes, and creative activities.
Nutcracker Study – Perfect for the Christmas season, with story connections and simple homeschool activities to make the music come alive.
And don’t forget to grab the free Classical Music Listening Guide — it includes this list and direct links so you can get started today.
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