American Popular Music

Catalog description

This course traces the social history of America through a study of the eras of popular American music. By examining the various styles, the outstanding musicians and the leading composers exemplary of those styles, this class illustrates how the historical era impacts the music and how the music reflects the historical era. The course begins with a discussion of popular music examining the popular songs of the colonies and the schools of singing that developed. The discussion continues through the music of the Civil War and tracks popular music across the great westward expansion. It concludes with studies of Gospel, Blues, Jazz and ultimately Rock and Roll.