In this course, you will learn about the elements of music, musical instruments, the history of European classical music, jazz, and some musics of the world. You will learn by

1. Weekly readings from the assigned textbook.
2. Listening to musical recordings synced to the reading.
3. Completing assignments online each week.
4. Weekly quizzes.
5. Four exams in the Testing Center spread out over the course.
6. Attending two live concerts and completing reports for each.
7. A group research project on the music from a world culture of your choice.
   

What you learn in this course will benefit you by allowing you to more deeply appreciate music in all its varieties for the rest of your life.  The study of music is the study of culture, people, history, mathematics, and science and will enhance your future learning in these subjects as well.  You will be introduced to many recordings, composers, performers, and genres of music that you may habe never experienced. 

NOTE: This course requires completing assignments on a fixed weekly schedule, with some mid-week deadlines.

PREREQUISITES: There are no prerequisites for this course. 

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

• Identify basic elements and vocabulary of music such as pitch, melody, rhythm, timbre, harmony, texture, form, notation, tempos, dynamics, lyrics, and improvisation.

• Identify by sight and sound various musical instruments and ensembles such as strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voices.

• Demonstrate basic understanding of the historical periods of Western European Classical music including the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical. Demonstrate an understanding of the style periods of American Jazz including Early Jazz, Swing, and Bebop. In addition, students will demonstrate understanding of some basic ethno-musicology concepts relating to Non-Western Musics.

• Know relevant facts about musical works and composers.

• Recognize the aspects of style of each of the historical periods.

• Discuss the role music played in society in each historical period.

• Be familiar with technical aspects of selected pieces: orchestration, instrumentation, form, and musical texture.

• Develop skills of aesthetic judgment and critical thinking through music listening in class and live performances.

Other materials _______________delete this line if there is no other materials.

Your course grade will be determined by quizzes and online assignments, projects and 4 exams, according to the following points:

Your final grade will be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least two of the four exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments

There are 4 exams in this course.

Last Updated: August 17, 2010