Composer Study is a focused approach where students spend 10-12 weeks exploring one composer's music. It's about developing a love for classical music and recognizing different styles.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is composer study?
Composer Study means diving deep into one composer's music for about 10-12 weeks. Instead of skimming through many composers, you really get to know one. The aim? To help kids enjoy classical music and easily tell different composers apart—like recognizing familiar songs. Charlotte Mason believed this kind of musical appreciation is for all kids, not just the talented ones. She said, 'Musical Appreciation had no more to do with playing an instrument than acting had to do with an appreciation of Shakespeare.'
How composer study fits Charlotte Mason's ideas
Charlotte Mason wanted kids to connect with great minds through their works. Composer Study does just that. By spending time with one composer, kids build a close relationship. It’s like making a friend just by hanging out. Music becomes part of your home life—playing during meals or while doing chores. It encourages focus and adds richness to life. Her idea of studying 'under one master' fits perfectly here.
Weekly implementation
Make background listening a part of your week. Play your chosen composer’s music during breakfast, in the car, or while you tidy up. Always say the composer’s name to help kids link it to the music. Once a week, take 10-15 minutes for focused listening to one piece. Kids can respond by moving, drawing, creating stories, or just chatting about their thoughts. Reading a fun biography can also spark interest—many composers had fascinating lives!
Getting started simply
Start with one composer. Find 6 pieces on Spotify, YouTube, or from library CDs. Grab one picture book or short biography. Play the music often, mentioning the composer’s name. Meet once a week to listen closely. That’s it! Don’t complicate it with worksheets or formal analysis. Charlotte Mason's vision was simple. The biggest mistake is trying to cover too much. Stick to just that one composer.
Recommended starting composers
Try Beethoven for dramatic, powerful music. Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' is energetic and fun. Mozart has lovely melodies. Tchaikovsky tells stories through ballet music that kids love. Many families pick composers based on the historical period they’re studying—like Renaissance composers during a Renaissance study. Others like to mix it up. Popular curriculums like AmblesideOnline offer great schedules with linked music pieces.
The bottom line
Composer Study builds musical taste just like reading good books builds literary taste. It’s all about regular, enjoyable exposure, not formal lessons. Just play one composer’s music often, read about their life, and meet to listen closely. Don’t worry about worksheets or music theory. Kids who grow up with Beethoven and Bach will just know and appreciate that music over time.
