Musical paintings

Children paint what they visualize while listening to classical symphonic music, comparing their interpretations.

Steps

1. The teacher plays an evocative orchestral movement (e.g. Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumblebee).
2. Children close their eyes and imagine the scenery and emotions unfolding in the music.
3. They paint their impressions on paper using paints or pastels.
4. They showcase their paintings and explain what scenes their brushstrokes depict.
5. Discussion on orchestra instruments based on the visual representations.

Tip: Playing a slow, lyrical piece followed by a rapid allegro creates striking contrasts in colour choices.

Materials needed

• Poster paints (1 set per group)
• Paintbrushes for children (1 per child)