New November Store Update - Celebrating Culture & Heritage
Happy November! This month, the Practice Space store celebrates cultural inspiration as we showcase avatars of composers who have beautifully woven their heritage into their classical compositions. From vibrant Armenian influences to evocative Finnish landscapes, these musical maestros invite you and your students to explore the rich tapestry of global musical traditions.
Each avatar in our store can be redeemed using Practice Gems, which students earn by reaching their daily practice goals—fusing motivation with a well-rounded education. Engage your students not just in practicing their instruments, but also in discovering the stories behind the music they play.
We've also prepared a PDF packet packed with engaging, educational activities that coincide with each composer's profile. The packet includes quizzes, fascinating facts, and brief biographies that help bring these composers' worlds into your classroom. It's a perfect tool for deepening students' understanding and appreciation of how diverse cultural backgrounds can shape music.
Be sure to explore the YouTube links we've provided for each composer's significant works to experience the beauty and diversity of their contributions to classical music. Each avatar comes with unique quotes, allowing these influential composers to share insights into their creative processes and the heritage that inspired them.
Check out the new avatars this November and dive into the rich cultural heritage of classical music with us at Practice Space. Let's celebrate how heritage influences art and encourages a deeper connection to music across different cultures!
Alan Hovhaness (March 8, 1911 - June 21 ,2000) was an American composer who loved blending Western music with the sounds of Asia and the Middle East.
Facts in app:
I composed over 500 musical pieces, including symphonies and chamber works, exploring spirituality and nature.
Did you know I wrote a symphony on a mountain? It’s called "Mysterious Mountain" and reflects the beauty of nature.
I often used themes from Armenian folk music, celebrating my heritage.
One of my favorite instruments to include in my compositions is the gamelan, a traditional ensemble from Indonesia.
Check out this performance of Mysterious Mountain!
Symphony No. 2, Op. 132, Mysterious Mountain by Alan Hovhaness
Antonín Dvořák (September 8, 1841 - May 1, 1904) was a Czech composer who brought the spirit of my homeland into the heart of classical music.
Facts in app:
My "New World Symphony" was inspired by my time in America, where I discovered Native American music and African-American spirituals.
I believe that every country should embrace its own musical roots, just like I did with Czech folk songs.
In Prague, there’s a whole building named after me—the Dvořák Museum!
I was also a violist and often played in the orchestra before becoming a famous composer.
One of my dreams was to express my deep love for nature and my country through music.
Check out this performance of “From the New World!”
Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178 "From the New World" (The Best Ninth Symphony)
Isaac Albéniz (May 29, 1860 - May 18, 1909), was a Spanish pianist and composer known for painting musical pictures of Spain’s diverse landscapes.
Facts in app:
My "Suite Española" takes listeners on a tour of Spain, with each piece representing a different region.
Even though I'm famous for piano music, I actually started my career as a prodigy at age four!
Did you know that many of my compositions are inspired by Spanish folk dances?
I traveled all over Europe performing piano concerts before settling into composing.
My music is celebrated for its colorful and vibrant portrayal of Spanish life.
Check out this performance of Asturias!
Laura Lootens - Albéniz: Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47: No. 5, Asturias (arr. for solo guitar)
Jean Sibelius (December 8, 1865 - September 20, 1957) was Finland’s most famous composer! I use my music to express the deep forests and myths of my beautiful homeland.
Facts in app:
My piece "Finlandia" became a symbol of Finnish independence and pride.
I loved nature, and it inspired most of my compositions, like the hauntingly beautiful "Swan of Tuonela."
I wrote seven symphonies, each one exploring different elements of Finnish and personal identity.
To focus on my music, I lived in a remote cabin in Finland for most of my life.
Believe it or not, I stopped composing publically many years before I died but continued to write music privately.
Check out this performance of Finlandia!
Sibelius: Finlandia (Prom 75)
Manuel de Falla (November 23, 1876 - November 14, 1946) was a Spanish composer known for infusing my music with the passionate rhythms and flavors of Spain.
Facts in app:
My best-known work, "El Amor Brujo," features a famous section called the "Ritual Fire Dance" that’s full of fiery Spanish energy.
I started my musical journey at the conservatory in Madrid, where I quickly fell in love with Spanish folk traditions.
After studying in Paris, I returned to Spain and became a central figure in the Spanish musical renaissance.
I spent my later years in Argentina, embracing yet another vibrant culture.
Besides composing, I was passionate about promoting Spanish music, organizing many concerts that highlighted Spanish artists and works.
Check out this performance of El Amor Brujo!
Manuel de Falla – El amor brujo | Ruxandra Donose | Cristian Măcelaru | WDR Sinfonieorchester
Zhou Long (1953 - ) was a Chinese-American composer blending the intricate traditions of Chinese music with Western classical music.
Facts in app:
I won a Pulitzer Prize for my opera "Madame White Snake," which combines Eastern and Western musical styles.
I started my music journey in China but found a new voice in the United States.
My compositions often feature traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa and erhu.
I believe that music is a bridge between cultures, and I love creating pieces that reflect this.
Before focusing fully on composing, I was a musicologist, studying the rich history of music in China and beyond.
Check out this performance of The Rhyme of Taigu!
ZHOU LONG The Rhyme of Taigu | Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Lan Shui | Berlin Philharmonie
Background Update
Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!
