LISTENING ON-LINE Return to Listening MenuINTRODUCTION This site is designed to save hours of searching the internet and music shops for listening linked to themes. Most extracts offer at the very least a snapshot of the music, as a guide to future purchase of the full piece. This can save time for those beginning to build a listening library. Most extracts contain a whole piece or even a movement.
Who is it for? A cautionary note. The site has been designed for adults to use with their children. You may wish to allow children to use the site, but do be aware that links to media sites can lead on to inappropriate sites (for instance in 'youtube' which has video links). Therefore children should only use the links in column 1.
PAGE LAYOUT Each page is designed in 4 columns. Column 1: has a listening link. Clicking on the title will open a player (e.g. Quicktime/ Real/ Windows Media) or take you to a page hosting the extract. Quicktime is probably the best in a classroom context as files appear almost immediately and can be played whilst the file is still streaming. Other players can take a while for the music to appear and be played(up to 60 seconds). If you prepare a listening extract before a lesson and minimise the window it should then be ready when required. Column 2: Gives the listening file type for the extract. If you have trouble listening then check your media player to ensure it recognises the file type. See 'Media Players' below for players that recogise most of the file types. Column 3: Gives special instructions for listening. Where the instructions state 'Link opens player' there is nothing else you should need to do after clicking on the link - apart from pressing the play button in some cases. Some links take the user to a page of extracts, where you may need to scroll down to find the extract. Please read the instructions carefully before clicking the link in column 1. Column 4: This gives a link to the host site for the music you are listening to. On these sites you can search for other music, and in many cases buy the music you have been listening to.
Legal disclaimerThe links to other sites are made in good faith. LMP does not host any of the music – and all listening links are made without signing agreements or paying a subscription. In other words, they are free to anyone surfing the internet.Should a site be breaking the law – that is a matter for the host site and the legal system in the host site’s country – and not a matter for LMP or your school.
Why free? The internet offers wonderful opportunities to broaden our listening knowledge. However if all listening was free the music industry (including musicians, technicians) would suffer. Hopefully you will eventually wish to purchase music you have listened to and enjoyed, or want to hear it live in concert. In this way I believe the internet can support and enhance the music industry. In many cases the source of the extract is given – especially where the link is to a purchasing site. Many entries have a Source/Buy link so that you can easily find the music to buy or browse for other music.
The listening links open up a huge number of listening opportunities. Criteria for selection is that the links offer free listening. Many sites have been rejected as they expect a membership fee, download payment or the quality of the recording is poor.
Media Players
Windows users -You will need media players to listen to files, which may already be on your machines. These will probably include Quicktime and Real Player as well as Windows Media Player. Each player has a free version so it is not necessary to make an on-line purchase. Be careful to uncheck any boxes offering regular newsletters and feedback unless you want loads of emails from the media provider.
When asked for your email address I recommend using a spoof or old email address to avoid subsequent SPAM
Mac users –The site has been designed for Windows users, but most extracts can be listened to using Macs.
You will need Quicktime and Real Player for many of the extracts. Each player has a free version so it is not necessary to make an on-line purchase. Be careful to uncheck any boxes offering regular newsletters and feedback unless you want loads of emails from the media provider.
When asked for your email address I recommend using a spoof or old email address to avoid subsequent SPAM.
youtube Some categories (notably Dance and Movement) use video links. youtube has some good examples to support the national curriculum, but the quality of video can be quite poor. You school's security may also mean you cannot view these extracts in school. However I have included themas teachers can watch them at home and get an idea of the content. 'Youtube' also opens up other suggested links with stills from the videos which it is wise to quickly check before demonstrating to children.
Troubleshooting. If you experience any other problems listening to files this may relate to your computer rather than the media players. However, restarting your computer can overcome occasional problems. QualityI constantly search the internet to find the best quality recordings. However, where this isn’t possible I find the best I can – so occasionally recordings are not as good as you will find on a CD, and very occasionally may have sounds such as audience, hiss in the case of an old recording or other intentional sounds– designed to stop illegal copying.
David Wheway - May 2007
If you have any links you would like to recommend or suggestions for improving the site, please
LMP's popular publications offer easy to read guides to games and projects in music, for the generalist as well as specialist music teacher. The popular red and blue folders (Music Materials for Primary Schools/Early Years) have now been re-published by A&C Black as 'Kickstart Music' .
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