Music History & Appreciation

Deepen your musical understanding and creative inspiration through a survey of styles, cultures, and innovators across 6 thematic units:

• Baroque & Classical Eras: Study Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Haydn—analyzing form, ornamentation, and historical context.

• Romantic & Impressionist Periods: Examine emotional expression in Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff through listening journals.

• Jazz Origins & Evolution: Trace blues, swing, bebop, and fusion—learning how improvisation and rhythm shaped modern music.

• Rock & Pop Milestones: Explore Beatles to Beyoncé: production breakthroughs, cultural impact, and genre blending.

• Global Traditions: Experience non‑Western musics—Indian raga, West African drumming, and Latin rhythms—to broaden your palette.

• Contemporary Trends: Discuss electronic, hip‑hop, and experimental scenes, and their technological influences on today’s landscape.

• Critical Listening Workshops: Analyze recordings for instrumentation, form, and stylistic markers with guided prompts.

By the end of this course, you’ll possess a richer historical perspective, connect more deeply with diverse musical cultures, and channel that insight into your own artistic voice.