This course is a survey of what is often referred to as classical, concert, or art music in Western European and Western European-influenced cultures. From the Middle Ages through the beginning of the 21st century, students will study a variety of composers and their contributions to the world of vocal and instrumental music. The composers and works studied this semester are a very small portion of the overall scope of Western music, and they are chosen to be as diverse in backgrounds, time periods, genres, and styles as possible. In tandem with the survey style of this class, students will become equipped with the fundamental music vocabulary necessary to discuss, both verbally and in writing, what they hear in music. Regardless of one’s previous background in music, this class will enable students to make contrasts and comparisons between pieces through the harnessing of musical terminology. Active listening will further enhance students’ ability to use appropriate vocabulary in conjunction with knowledge of historical, musical landmarks when talking about music. This course satisfies the Distribution Requirement for Visual and Performing Arts, and is required for the Music major and minor.
- Teacher: Tara Keith