Objectives: Libby Larsen has always heard music in her head – to her, it is “already in the air”, and it’s through that natural flow of sound of harmonies and pitches that she creates her music.  In other words, music is all around you – it just needs to be discovered and realized.  In this activity, think of sounds you hear in the world around you that can also be heard as music, and explain how it can be communicated as music.

Tools/Resources: MN Original video clip, audio recording device (one per person or pair), Libby Larsen’s song, Deep Summer Music (if possible).

Activity
1) Watch the segment and discuss:

a. What is a composer?

b. Libby Larsen says in the video, “All of music is already in the air”, what do you think does she mean by that?

c. (If possible, play Libby Larsen’s Deep Summer Music before asking this question) The song playing during the episode is Larsen’s song, Deep Summer Music. Why do you think she called it that? What kind of sounds do you think she heard to create this song?

2) Brainstorm: What sounds do you hear in the day-to-day world around you? Or, are there any special sounds that remind you of a beautiful place, moment, or memory?

3) Record and share:

a. If possible, record the sound you feel reminds you most of music (if the sound isn’t possible to be recorded, try to find a recording online).

b. In small groups, play your recorded sound and discuss why it sounds like music to you.

For information on the academic standards fulfilled by this activity download the full guide.