Spring 2009 Course Description
Learn about musical elements through listening, analyzing, and creating music; think about music within social contexts; and communicate ideas about music and dance through written assignments, audio recordings, and class presentations.
Course Objectives/Goals
In-depth listening and analysis provide strategies to communicate ideas about music. Specific musical terminology about a broad range of music will be covered to increase listening awareness to enhance dance, teaching, and choreography.
Required Text
Course Reader: DA 134 Listening to Music
Available at Perfect Copy & Print: 111 Broadway Ave E | MAP
Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa-Su 11am-7pm; Telephone (206) 325-4733
The reader includes excerpts from:
What to Listen for in Music by Aaron Copland
Inside Music: Answers to 1001 Questions by J. Raymond Tobin
The Musical Elements: Who Said They’re Right? by Robert Cutietta
GarageBand at a Glance by Apple Computer, Inc.
20/20: 20 New Sounds of the 20th Century by William Duckworth
The Rest is Noise by Alex Ross
Discovering and Documenting a World of Music by David Reck, Mark Slobin, and Jeff Titon
Exotica: Fabricated Soundscapes in a Real World by David Toop
Feminine Endings: Music, Gender, and Sexuality by Susan McClary
Fact and Mystery by Mark Morris
Course Requirements, Expectations, and Etiquette
As college students and performing artists, you are already young professionals in a career that is challenging and exhilarating. My minimum expectations are that you arrive on time fully prepared for every class with readings completed and assignments ready. You should show passion, discipline, and mastery by participating fully. Good manners and conversational skills are essential to this course. Some people speak more easily and at more length than others. Learn to adapt to different styles of discussion. Be reflective and considerate to help colleagues find the space to speak. Disagreements are welcome and should be respected.
Let us establish and maintain an open and tolerant space together in the spirit of creative and intellectual curiosity by listening to music and each other.
