Course Packet - Download and Print All Three Documents

Assignment/Grading Document

music_appreciation_assignment-grading_document_spring_2012.doc
File Size: 69 kb
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Listening Checklists/Narratives

listening_checklists-narratives_spring_2012.doc
File Size: 72 kb
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Garageband Project Form

garageband_project.doc
File Size: 32 kb
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Extra Syllabus - Just in Case...

music_appreciation_syllabus_spring_2012.doc
File Size: 108 kb
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Course Assignments

1. Request Sheet
Due 1/24

On a piece of paper, write down three songs you'd like to throw out there for us to use as part of class this semester. You must also list a genre (rock, R&B, etc.) and why you think each would be good to focus on. I won't get to all (or possibly any of them in many cases), but I try and hit those that have multiple requests or embody the features we are studying. Make sure you add your name.

2. Your Amazing Essay
Due: 1/26

To get things started, I want you to jot down two stories that describe amazing/awesome life experiences you’ve had. Try and make one story have some connection with a person or people and the second story involve the awe in the natural world or faith. If music were to accompany each experience, what would it sound like (i.e. instruments, mood, genre)? Would the music be different for each? Why?    

3. Philosophy Reading and Questions
Due 1/26

Read this music philosophy article. Choose the viewpoints of three philosophers and summarize each. Then, provide a short reaction to why you agree or disagree with their philosophies.

4. Pop Listening - 
Justin Bieber, Baby
Due:1/31
Watch video and fill out Pop Checklist.

If video doesn't work, go to YouTube.com and search: "Bruno Mars Lazy Song Lyrics"

5. Blues Listening - 
Blind Willie Johnson, Lord I Just Can't Keep from Crying
Due: 2/2

6. Country Listening - 
Alison Krauss and Union Station, 
Every Time You Say Goodbye      
Due: 2/7

7. Rock Listening - 
Foo Fighters, The Pretender
Due: 2/21
Go to YouTube and type in, 
"Foo Fighters Pretender Lyrics". Videos no longer play outside of YouTube.

8. Rap Listening - 
Tupac, Keep Ya Head Up    
Due: 2/23

9. R&B Listening - 
Beyonce, Party on Top
Due: 2/28

10. Ambient Listening - Aphex Twin, 
We are the Music Makers
Due:3/1

11. Jazz Listening - 
Kneebody, Thank You Mr. West
Due: 3/6

12. Greg Sandow Reading and Questions
Due: 3/8

Below is a short blurb (respective to the entire book that is) from an upcoming book on the state of classical music. Read Greg Sandow's (Julliard professor) thoughts and then briefly summarize his five points and your reaction to what he views as a dilemma for classical music.

Below is the same Greg Sandow reading as above. It's here just in case you want to download it the old fashioned way instead.

greg_sandow_on_classical_music_and_its_detachment_issues.doc
File Size: 45 kb
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13.Classical Listenings - 
Evancho - Puccini's Nessun Dorma 
Reich - Desert Music
Due: 3/20

English translation of Nessun Dorma 
lyrics (click this for link)

14. World Listening - North African Gypsy Dance
Due: 3/23

15. Sound Opinions Podcast Questions
Due: 4/5

Listen to this link and then this link and describe how effective you think these reviews were. Are they enough for you to know if you'd really want to "buy, burn or trash" the respective musics? Explain.

16. Sgt. Pepper's Reviews
Due: 4/10

Read the review of Sgt. Pepper that has been assigned to you below (download the document that is with your name alphabetically) and note how much of the review is dedicated to each of the areas above? In other words, do they spend a significant time talking about the making of the album instead of how it actually sounds and what is actually said? How well are the other areas covered, if at all?

Last name: A-G

esquire_magazine1967_-_sgt._pepper.doc
File Size: 51 kb
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Last name: H-N

pitchfork_-_sgt._peppers_review.doc
File Size: 46 kb
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Last name: O-Z

rolling_stone_-_sgt._pepper_review.doc
File Size: 56 kb
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17. Sgt. Pepper Listening
Due: 4/12

Listen to Within You, Without You and Day in the Life from the Timeline. For each, write a very short narrative (about three sentences) describing your interpretation of the lyrics and what the music sounds like. What is unique about these songs?

Performance Videos