Classical Encounters

Awakening wonder in little minds through the power of classical music

In an age of over-stimulation, kids are in need more than ever before of experiencing the transformative power of music.

Stripped of the distractions of screens and media, Classical Encounters brings classical music to life as a powerful art form that ignites imagination, self-reflection, and expression. My aim is always to deepen knowledge and sharpen ears while engaging with a child’s natural wonder and imagination.

With degrees in history and music, over 15 years of teaching experience to kids of all ages, and a commitment to quality design and imagery, pianist & music educator Sadie Hoyt creates quality educational materials that are grounded in academic & aesthetic excellence for your family or classroom.

Sadie

-founder of Classical Encounters

 

Pianist & music educator Sadie Hoyt introduces kids to key works from the classical canon by providing music history, theory, composer bios and prompts for individual interpretation. Kids will learn about composers, musical terms, instruments, and music history as they journey through some of the most spectacular works in the classical repertoire.

Music History Course:
The Story of Classical Music, Part I

Learn the story of classical music, from its origins in medieval chant up through the polyphonic masterpieces of J.S. Bach in the Classical Encounters Music History Series, Part I. This course contains 24 lessons that richly narrate the story of classical music for families, classrooms, and the adult learner. By contextualizing the development of Western music within the key artistic, historical, and philosophical movements that contributed to its flowering, each masterpiece of the classical canon comes to life as both a cultural synthesis of its own time and an artistic expression of transcendent beauty that crosses all borders of time and place.

LISTENING GUIDES
on famous works in the classical canon or specific themed topics

My Listening Guides offer young ages the opportunity to engage with the world’s greatest musical masterpieces from inside the creation process. Each of my listening guides are the products of detailed score study combined with a foundation in music theory and history and 15+ years of experience teaching children music.

Featured
1.png
Quick View
Nature in Music: WATER
$22.00
Nature in Music: SKY
Quick View
Nature in Music: SKY
$15.00
A Baroque Winter
Quick View
A Baroque Winter
$10.00
Handel's Messiah Listening Guide.png
Quick View
Handel's Messiah Listening Guide
$20.00
The Cadenza: A Listening Guide
Quick View
The Cadenza: A Listening Guide
$10.00
Vivaldi's Spring Listening Guide
sale
Quick View
Vivaldi's Spring Listening Guide
$6.00 $8.00
Nutcracker Listening Guide for the Family
Quick View
Nutcracker Listening Guide for the Family
$18.00

RESOURCES FOR LITTLE EARS
Start cultivating an excellent ear and appreciation for classical music in your 3-7 year olds

With coloring pages, engaging and simple “circle and draw what you hear” prompts, a visually engaging approach and narrations to ignite your child’s creativity and imagination!

PRINTABLES

These are small & valuable resources created with the goal of making classical music appreciation in the home as accessible + doable as possible.

  • "Classical Encounters is an inspiring, multifaceted program that my whole family enjoyed. Each week's lessons engaged our senses and helped us encounter the rich beauty of the foundations of western music. The program was thorough, conveniently laid out, and easy to follow. This was a perfect addition to our home studies!"

    -Carrie Mitchell, Mother of 4

  • "We've ended each school day this week with your program and it's been truly lovely." The course is informative, but I love most that we can end the day in stillness and contemplation, listening to beautiful music and drawing or coloring beautiful pictures. Thank you so much, Sadie!

    -Anna, mother of 5

  • "We found Classical Encounters to be just what we needed to add beauty and reflection to our week and give our kids a strong foundation in understanding music."

    -Loretta Tullius, Mother of 5

  • “My kids and I are loving this resource! We did the drawing tutorial today while listening to the provided playlist. It was sublime!”

    Deborah, mother of ages 8 + 10

  • "We have been looking for a music appreciation curriculum that actually teaches how to listen to music and learn about music in an engaging way. Often what you get is a composer history without really delving into what makes that particular music unique or musical. And there are only so many times you can listen to Peter and Wolf. Classical Encounters provides a deep, rich look into the music of the time period and what elements make it important."

    Loretta, mother of 5

  • "Sadie's Classical Encounters music program has benefited our family so much. My homeschooled kids range in age from 6 to 14 and we all learned so much from both the historical and musical components. My personal favorite was learning about Hildegard of Bingen. The art projects were a huge hit too! I highly recommend Sadie's program to all families looking to bring beautiful music and art into their homes."

    -Micaela D.

  • "There is so much beautiful classical music that I want to listen to and share with my children. This program gives an organized and educational approach that I know will leave a long-lasting impression on my family. It's a fantastic way to find beautiful music that you might not otherwise have heard and learn all the history that goes along with it.”

    -Marisa, mother of 4

  • “Sadie has developed a beautiful curriculum for introducing children to classical music!  My children loved the polyphony coloring pages and I was impressed with the amount of history included in the guide.  We all enjoyed painting Notre Dame in watercolors while listening to Sadie's carefully curated selections.  The materials are beautifully formatted and easy to follow.  This is a sweet way to make memories with your children, and educational as well.”

    -Lynne W.

Educational Blog for Tips

Want music appreciation to flourish in your home? I write regular tips for including music in your home activities and point you to the best resources on the market.

z

Subscribe for FREE CLASSICAL RESOURCES

Want to deepen classical music appreciation in your home
but don’t have time to research new resources, playlists and ideas each month?

Subscribe to my email list for access to listening charts, playlists, printouts, and listening activities. For adults and families who desire to cultivate a home filled with culture, art and beauty. Sign up with your email for immediate access to all free resources.

z