Central Columbia High School Music Department
Course: 413-001 Music History
Instructor: Mrs. Smargiassi – tsmargia@ccsd.cc
Time: Fall Semester
Text: We will be using excerpts from several different text books including:
Grout and Palisca – The History of Western Music – 7th ed.
Course Description:
This course is an overview of the main periods in Music History. We will also be
spending time listening to standard repertoire. Basic musical terms as well as music
history will be covered. A general understanding of music is needed. This course is
considered Writing Intensive and Reading Intensive.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of music history.
2. Students will be able to recognize standard repertoire of the time periods.
3. Students will share their knowledge of music history by participating in class
discussions.
4. Students will listen, evaluate and compare different styles of music.
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated with in-class assignments, bell ringers, type I and II writings,
era based projects, and listening and written exams. Details on the assigned projects
will be presented in class. Completion of homework is an important factor in grading.
Responsibilities:
By choosing to take this class the student becomes responsible for any class work,
homework or projects. If a student misses a day of school, it is that student’s
responsibility to get the information from another classmate.
Course Outline:
Unit 1: What is music?
 Uses in civilization
 Cacophony
 Texture
 Rhythm
 Tempo
 Meter
 Melody
 Cadences
 Harmony
 Keys
 Chords
 Development in Western Music
Unit 2: Form
 Elements of musical structure
 Levels of musical structure
 Composing
Unit 3: Musical Instruments
 String Family
 Woodwinds
 Brass
 Percussion
 Keyboard
 Orchestra
 History of each
Unit 4: Medieval Period
 Greek Musical life and thought
 Doctrines
 Musical systems
 Early Church
 Gregorian chant
Unit 5: Medieval Music
 Church v. state
 Hildegard von Bingen
 Neumes
 Mass
 Types of chants
 Polyphony
 Periods within Medieval
 Organum
 Play of the Virtues– listening
 Haec Dies – listening
Unit 6: Renaissance
 Historical development
 Musical institutions
 Cantus Firmus
 Sacred music
 Requiem
 Dufay
 L’Homme Arme
 DesPrez
 Salterello – listening
Unit 7: Baroque Period
 Government
 Music
 Religion
 America
 Goal of the Baroque period
 Monody
 Basso Continuo
 Major/Minor tonality
 Vocal Music
 Tu Se Morta – listening
 Dido and Aeneas – listening
Unit 8: Classical Period
 Historical Happening
 Revolutions
 Diatonic
 Symphony #40 Mozart - listening
Unit 9: Romantic Period
 Verses Classical period
 Schumann’s
Unit 10: Modern Period
 Russian 5
 Depending on time
Grading
There are four main evaluations throughout the course for which you will
receive a grade:
1. Homework Assignments – COMPLETED
2. In class work
3. Projects – how many depends on time
4. Final Exam
In addition to the above, you will also receive grades for:
1. Class Participation (including singing)
A 93-100 - Excellent
B 85-92 - Good
C 77-84 - Average
D 70-76 - Poor
F 69 or below - Failure
Punctuality is important. Points will be deducted from homework assignments
that are not turned in on the date due. Points will be deducted from your class
participation grade each time you are late to class without a pass. In addition,
no extra time will be allowed to make up a quiz or any other missed work
unless a valid pass is presented.
It is understood that students may miss a class from time to time for illness and
school approved absences. Assignments/quizzes missed will be made up on the
next day the student is in school. Points will be deducted for each additional
day the work is late unless special arrangements are made with the teacher.
Work missed for unexcused absences or skipping will not be made up and
students will receive a grade of zero for that assignment in addition to losing
points from the class participation grade.
Plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment. Do your own work.