1 km

This is a good beginning exercise or a pick-me-up after a long day. A suitable duration is 5 to 10 min. Don’t worry if you break off in the middle. You can always come back to it.

1. Listen to a piece about which you already know something about. If you don’t know where to start, select something on the playlist that looks interesting.

2. Listen to the other movements of the same work, or to another piece from the same CD, or the next track suggested by your music service.

Tips:

1. Adjust the volume so that it allows for great variations in volume. Note that in symphonic works the dynamic range is broad and that this is an important feature of the music. Avoid background noise, because that tempts you to turn up the volume too high. Remember to be careful about your ears, especially if you’re using earpods.

2. Write down the composers and their works that you’ve listened to. By doing this, you will compile a listening diary that you can return to.

3. A familiar work is often easier to listen to. Listen to a work several times to become familiar with it.

4. Feel your mood. Listening is easier on some days than others. Sometimes listening is best done when doing quiet chores, but at other times it’s a good idea to stop everything and just listen. Even if you can’t focus only on listening, listen anyway.