MUSIC 120 - Music and Listening

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This course is called Introduction to Music Listening and focuses on helping the student develop listening skills to enhance understanding and appreciation of music. Focused listening and the subsequent discussion will develop musical awareness, sharpen perception, and increase musical discrimination. Through the years many colleges and universities have offered classes called Music Appreciation in which students are introduced to musical works from different periods and styles–usually organized by the periods of Western European cultural history. This course is presented through a completely different organization, the five essential elements of music: rhythm, pitch and melody, harmony, timbre, and shape or form. The focused purpose of this course is to introduce ideas and listening strategies to deepen the relationship with music and move listening from a passive activity to one that is active rewarding process. We will also focus on communicating about music, both verbally and in writing. Music is everywhere in our society, but more often than not; we experience it through media and contexts that emphasize the visual. This course will heighten attention to the sonic dimensions of music, the rich variety of meanings in music, and the osical and political functions that are implicated in music of the world. (Offered in fall.)

Prerequisite(s): Open to all first year students, recommended for students with English 110 placement or higher. Required for all Bachelor of Music students. Fulfills University First Year Seminar Requirement.