DORAL ACADEMY PREPARATORY HS
Syllabus: Music Appreciation MUH 1011
1. Course Information Instructor: Professor Dr. Adalberto Yanes
Fall Semester 2011
Course Code:
Section:
Class Hours & Location:
Office Hours:
Office Location:
Office Phone:
E-mail:
Preferred Contact: (Either through email or
Phone)
Music Appreciation
MUH 1011
Dual Enrolment
Tuesday and Fridays 2:40 – 3:45 PM – Rm#315A
Mondays – Wednesday 1:00 – 3:30pm – Rm#112B
Rm #112B
305 597 9950
ayanes@dadeschools.net
Email
2. Course Description
a. Course Overview and Description:
General survey of Western music focusing on recorded and live performances.
The course design is concise yet clear, accurate, and engaging. It provides an approach to perceptive
listening and an introduction to musical elements, forms, and stylistic periods. Interactive discussions of
composers’ lives, individual styles, and representative works are encouraged. This curriculum format aims
not merely to impart facts but also to stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm.
The approach is chronological with each stylistic period divided into short, relatively independent sections.
While music examples are offered throughout the text and lecture, discussions of the pieces require no
previous knowledge of musical notation. Listening outlines develop learner listening skills and reinforce
understanding of musical forms and elements.
Innovative “Listening Guides” match word for note what the learner reads while the music plays. The text
offers vocal music guides including excerpts from opera libretti. The section “Performance Perspectives”
presents the thoughts of various well-known artists on performing. New performers include violinist Hilary
Hahn, cellist Yo-Yo- Ma, and guitarist songwriter Carlos Santana.
c. Required Course Materials (Text)
Author: Roger Kamien –
Text: Music: An Appreciation, Seventh Brief Edition (softcover)
d. Other Reading Materials:
On-line recommendations.
www.mhhe.com/Kamien6
How to begin?: Click on “Hear from the Author” –
in the Information Center
e. Learning Outcomes:
Learners will:
Write about music analytically and effectively using language and a style appropriate to the discipline, expressing
ideas clearly using good grammar, syntax and organization.
Recognize aesthetic qualities and processes by studying and listening to significant works of art in both classroom
and concert venues.
Examine the historical and/or cultural contexts of works studied in the classroom, programmed on concerts, and
performed in class.
Demonstrate an aural ability to recognize specific forms, musical techniques, and historical styles.
Discuss subjective reactions to musical examples and analyze the expressive qualities that evoke responses.
3. Course requirements:
Attendance Policy: Excused absences are conflicts outside of the control of the student (i.e. illness, death in
the family). It is important to notify the instructor of any absences. Unexcused absences are conflicts within
the control of the student (i.e., had a schedule conflict, had to study, had another appointment). Each
unexcused absence will be considered in your semester evaluation.
a. Participation
Students will be expected to come to class prepared to participate in discussions.
Please note that class participation will constitute a percentage of the final grade. (10%)
b. Concert Attendance
Three (3) concert reports.
Students are required to attend three (3) live performances for this course, and turn in written concert
reports of about 500 words (12 point Times New Roman or similar font, double-spaced, 1” margins). Two
(2) concerts (on the Doral Academy High Campus – Free for music students); one (1) can be of the
student’s choice outside the School. The concert program or other concert material should be stapled to the
program when turned in.
4. Grades:
Grading information: Grades will be based upon satisfactory performance. Punctuality and regular
attendance are mandatory. Grading is by percentage.
No make-ups. No exceptions.
To allow for illness and emergency, one lowest exam score (not including the final).will be dropped
3 Concert Reports (500 words each) 30% (typed 12 pt. font – with program)
Participation, Assignments, Quizzes 10%
Exams (5) 7% each 35%
Paper 15%
Final Exam 10%
Total Points 100%
0 – 59 = F 60 – 69 = D 70 – 79 = C 80 – 89 = B 90 – 100% = A
PAPERS (paper or oral presentation due May 12)
PAPER/ORAL PRESENTATION (Choose 1) – Palestrina, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert,
Beethoven, Berlioz, Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Tchaikovsky (composers from Renaissance, Baroque,
Classical, and Romantic Periods) Chopin, Puccini, Brahms, Mahler, Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenburg, Prokofiev
(composers from Romantic and Modern Periods) Students may choose other important composers not on this list,
but must have pre-approval from the instructor.
Listen to 2 (two) contrasting recordings of works by your selected composer not found in the text’s representative
recording(s) by this composer.
After listening to your two selections, include commentary within your paper to support why this composer is
remembered, what innovative compositional techniques he originated or excelled in using, what it is about the
composer and his music that makes him so important, and how he made a lasting impact on the history of classical
music. Both recordings must be cited in the paper’s bibliography.
All papers must be 4-5 pages in length, typed in Times New Roman, 12 point only, and double-spaced.
Margins should be standardized for the style of report you are using, and sources must be credited either in the text
or by footnotes at the bottom of the page, using standard MLA or APA style.
In addition to the two recordings, a minimum of three (3) sources should be used and only one may be an
encyclopedia (such as Grove’s, Baker’s, etc., but not Wikipedia) (for a total of 4 or 5 sources). You may use only
one non-encyclopedic source from the Internet and must give the complete URL address to be used.
Please do not use the class textbook or quote me via your class notes. A bibliography must be attached in standard
form. Grammar, spelling, and proper term paper form will count. Do not use terms you do not understand. Do not
include lists of the composer’s works in the body of the paper. Any lists should be as an addendum and not counted
as part of the 4-5 required pages. Papers not turned in on time will be penalized one (1) letter grade (4 points).
Papers will not be accepted more than one (1) day late. All papers must be turned in as “hard copies;” no e-mail
papers allowed. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! Use quotations for direct quotes or paraphrase (use your own words),
and credit the source. All paraphrased resource material should be properly cited. Plagiarism will earn a student a
zero grade for the class, not just for the paper. Successful completion of these papers fulfills all three of the course’s
student learning objectives: communication ability, life-long learning ability, and the critical thinking ability. See
next page for grading criteria for composer papers.
COMPOSER PAPER ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. General overview of the composer’s life 6 pts. ____
2. Discussion of their primary musical works (1 in each genre, such
as symphony, opera, concerto, mass, oratorio, etc.) using appropriate music terminology/vocabulary 6 pts. ____
3. *Impact of composer’s influence on the musical period 6 pts. ____
4. Two recordings are cited and referenced appropriately in paper 4 pts. ____
5. Crediting of sources in text of paper using proper style 3 pts. ____
6. Correct form of bibliography (min. 3 sources) 2 pts. ____
7. Correct spelling, usage of words, overall neatness 3 pts. ____
Total 30 pts. ____ Additional points will be subtracted for lack of source citations or for insufficient paper length.
ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Presentations should include information: *Information in your report should include why this composer is
remembered, what impact the composer had on music history, what innovative compositional techniques he
originated or excelled in using, and what it is about the composer and his music that makes him so important?
Students will turn in their presentation outline as well as a standard bibliography of materials used in the
presentation. All oral presentations must include 2-3 audio examples (excerpts are acceptable) of the composer’s
works demonstrating key points in the presentation.
1. General overview of composer’s life and position of 10 pts. _____ importance in his/her musical time period.
2. Discussion of composer’s primary compositional genres 10 pts. _____ with appropriate recorded examples as
demonstration.
3. A bibliography with all materials and information cited correctly is given to the instructor at the time of the
presentation. 5 pts. _____
4. Quality of oral presentation including preparation, usage 5 pts. _____ of media, communication of content.
Presentations are to be 10-12 minutes in length, including audio/audio-visual examples.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE CRITIQUES (Concert critiques must be turned in as papers, not oral presentations.)
Concerts chosen should be classical and primarily feature music from any of the musical periods studied this
term. All critiques must be 4-5 pages in length, typed, and double spaced. Include in your critique the following:
1. What concert you attended, the date, the location, and why you chose this concert.
2. Observations on the physical aspects (concert hall, dress, lighting, design, kinds of people present, etc.) and how it
affected your listening experience.
3. Musical observations: quality of performance, type of music, i.e., orchestral, vocal, etc. Use a minimum of ten
(10) terms introduced in class lectures and/or the text to describe the music and to demonstrate your understanding
and appreciation of the music performed. Underline or boldface the 10 terms.
4. Composer overview: Include a brief biographical sketch of each composer featured on the program, citing all
sources, and including a bibliography in standard form.. A minimum of three (3) sources should be used and only
one may be an encyclopedia (such as Grove’s, etc., but not Wikipedia). You may use only one source from the
internet and must give the complete address to be used. The concert program or CD liner notes can be used. Please
do not use the class textbook or quote me via your class notes. Grammar, spelling, and proper term paper form will
count.
5. Tell if you enjoyed or did not enjoy the concert and why.
6. Describe how the information covered in class affected how you listened to this concert. Include an observation
on something you discovered or first learned about music and how you listen to it as a result of attending this
concert.
7. Include a ticket stub, receipt, or concert program along with your report.
8. Papers not turned in on time will be penalized one (1) letter grade (4 points). Papers will not be accepted more
than one (1) day late. All papers must be turned in as “hard copies;” no e-mail papers allowed.
CONCERT CRITIQUE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Concert attended represents a musical period studied this term 5 pts. ____
2. Critique includes a brief biographical sketch of each composer featured on the program 5 pts. ____
3. Critique includes a minimum of 10 correctly-used terms introduced in class lectures and/or the text to describe the
music performed (underline or BF terms). 10 pts. ____
4. Crediting of sources in text of paper using proper style 3 pts. ____
5. Correct form of bibliography (min. of 3 sources) 2 pts. ____
6. Correct spelling, usage of words, overall neatness 3 pts. ____
7. Includes pertinent comments about how you felt or discovered about music performed at the concert 2 pts. ____
Total 30 pts. ____ Additional points will be subtracted for lack of source citations or for insufficient paper length.
MUH 1011 MUSIC APPRECIATION
NAME ______________________________________________
PHONE (best contact #) ____________________
E-MAIL __________________________________
1. What interests you about classical music?
2. What do you already know about classical music?
3. What would you like to learn about classical music this term?
4. Briefly describe your previous music experiences/education (preschool? elementary school?
church? family? etc.).
5. What was the most positive memory of your music experience/education?
6. What instruments do you play (or have you played in the past)?
7. Do you like to sing? If yes, what kind of music and where and when do you sing?
8. Do you read music? How well? Describe.
9. Why are you taking this class?
10. What is your major field of study or expected career goal?
MUSIC CONTRACT
PARENT
We the parent(s)/guardian(s) have fully read and understood the Music Appreciation Syllabus and agree
to abide by the rules, policies, and course expectations of this course and will do our best to help our
child fulfill his/her responsibilities as a student and participant in this class. . I also understand that the
concerts will be recorded and that pictures and video of the performances will be used to promote our
program.
Student’s Name_________________________________
Parent’s Name__________________________ Signature_________________________
Date_________________
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STUDENT
As a student in Dr. Yanes’ Music Appreciation Class I have fully read and understood the Syllabus and
agree to abide by the rules, policies, and expectations of this course and will do my very best to comply
with the academic and personal responsibilities expected of me.
Student’s Printed Name_________________________________________
Student Signature _________________________________ Date: __________