Music Appreciation: Course Description
In, “An Appreciation of Music,” students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary of
music and will learn to analyze compositions correctly employing that vocabulary. They
will be able to identify musical styles in context to their place in history and will acquire
a working knowledge of significant composers from the different musical periods. They
will learn about the influences of culture on music and music on culture and will analyze
the influences in their own generation. Students will be required to read and respond
to textbook chapters and will analyze musical excerpts. Class notes and chapter
questions will be maintained in a one inch binder which will periodically be checked for
content. This binder grade will count as a quiz grade. The class grade will be made up
of quizzes, tests, and one project per quarter. The approximate schedule is as follows:
Quarter 1:
Week 1 and 2 “Music in Our Culture” is a challenge to individual listening habits by
exposure to other types of music.
Week 3
“Music in Other Cultures,” is an overview of music from countries other
than the United States.
Week 4
“From the Audience’s Perspective,” teaches how to be an educated
listener with an appropriate musical vocabulary.
Week 5
“Virtuoso Performers,” identifies the standards of excellence in the
world of music.
Week 6 and 7 “The Beauty of Order,” makes the connection of reason and order with
artistic inspiration.
Week 8
“Love Songs,” explores the emotional content of music worldwide.
Quarter 2:
Week 1
“Religious Music,” explores the music that enlightens.
Week 2 and 3 “Celebratory Music,” analyzes the music connected to the celebrations
of life.
Week 4
“Making Musical Decisions,” explores the creation of music.
Week 5
“Musical Creators,” is the study of a few well known composers.
Week 6
“Musical Theatre,” explores the traditions of Broadway.
Week 7
“Music of a Generation,” is today’s music revisited.
Week 8
“Jazz,” is a chronological overview of Jazz and the influence it has had
on much of the music today.
Week 9
“Styles and Influence,” is a connection of history to style.