Music Analysis

Catalog description

This class will focus on the basic elements of music: melody, harmony, texture, timbre, expression and form. Through analysis of all these elements, students will come to better understand and recognize the distinct features of music from various periods and styles of music of the Western culture from the 1500s to the present. The class will emphasize the understanding, recognition and appreciation of various musical styles; a better understanding of music of the past so as to better understand the music of the present and future, broadening one’s basis of acceptance as to what constitutes music; maintain and develop an openness to new and different approaches and styles of music or ideas that are divergent from one’s own; and becoming aware of environmental influences on music such as social, political and cultural forces. The class uses lecture, analysis, guided listening and presentation. Prerequisite(s): Complete MUSIC-150.