Required listening to a wide variety of music. Goal of the course is to survey what a perceptive listener should know about musical expression as an artistic experience. Explores the materials of music, i.e., melody, harmony, rhythm, tone color, form and mediums of expression. Surveys the basic style periods of music. Required outside listening to a wide variety of music and attendance at selected, appropriate live performances.
Assessment is by regular testing throughout the course, and a functional final exam.
The emphasis of the course is sound. We analyze numerous songs in terms of melody, rhythm, harmony, and formal structure. In-class lecture, listening, and discussion. The ability to read music is recommended. An aural-visual survey of music which is distinctly American in character produced by composers and performing artists of this century.