Evidence is clear that the benefits of learning the classics go beyond simple enjoyment of music.
The classics carry the organizational features and patterns of our culture, and systematic listening over time develops cognitive pathways that enhance learning. When this music is presented in engaging, developmentally appropriate ways, children learn to love the classics, and begin to distinguish between the many genres, periods, and styles. Listening maps help children focus on listening selections through visual representation of sound. A good map provides representation of important features. They may provide pictoral or graphic icons for melody, rhythm, themes, form, dynamics, tempo, and so on.