Music for Ballet Class

The Importance of Music Selection

Backstage.com recently featured this article about music for ballet class.  It highlights the importance of music selection, the role of music and the accompanist (if there is one) within the class, and encourages students and teachers to “understand and be sensitive” to this role.  It’s a good read.

FREE Music on iTunes

And, speaking of music, I discovered some FREE, yes I said free, music for ballet class on iTunes.  It’s an entire class-worth of percussion music (a rare find for ballet class) by Duke University’s John Hanks.  *Here is the link.

This is no longer available, unfortunately. However, there are some other things up at this location.

Apple’s iTunes U is pretty cool with content from several major universities that is rich with video, podcasts, etc.  In fact there is dance video from Duke, UMBC, Central Washington and others – check it out! There isn’t a ton of lesson music on iTunes, however, it’s been one of my primary resources when researching music for choreography.

Are you using an iPod (or mp3 device) for your classes yet?

I can’t rave enough about the use of an iPod for class music.  Creating playlists allows you to pick and choose different tracks without fumbling with CDs, which can take precious time away from class.  If you’re not yet using some sort of mp3 player for class, I encourage you to consider the possibility.

*iTunes must be installed on your computer for this link to work.  Click the Dance Program Music tab to download the tracks.

Related posts:

1. Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes
2. Richard Maddock Music — CD Review and Giveaway!
3. Big Boi not an OutKast at Atlanta Ballet

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Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 247 articles for Dance Advantage.