Online Class: Introduction to Music Appreciation

Embark on an enlightening journey into music's development, understanding the elemental components that define genres while traversing global musical landscapes. Uncover the roles of visionary composers and varied musical traditions in shaping Western compositions and impacting societal narratives.
Self-Paced, Online Class
Townsend Public Library
 
  • 16
    Lessons
  • 24
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 16
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Music is an exquisite tapestry, interwoven with the threads of human emotion, history, and culture. Delve into the rich tapestry of musical evolution with our course, "Music Appreciation." Discover how music has mirrored our triumphs, lamented our tragedies, and shaped the very essence of human existence.

Embarking on this musical odyssey, we begin with the fundamental building blocks of music. By grasping these foundational elements, you'll cultivate a refined vocabulary that illuminates the nuances of musical compositions, helps discern the distinctive attributes of various genres, and offers insights into the choices that composers and performers make.

For instance, Jazz, a vibrant genre birthed within the African-American milieu in the U.S., is a captivating fusion of African syncopated rhythms, the haunting call-and-response patterns echoed in spirituals, and the delicate influences of European harmonies. This rich legacy continuously evolves, pushing the boundaries of Jazz to new, exhilarating heights.

We'll traverse the shifting sands of Classical music, observing its metamorphosis since the illustrious eras of Beethoven and Brahms. The twentieth century bore witness to a tapestry of innovative styles and audacious composers from both sides of the Atlantic. Visionaries like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel set a provocative tone for the century, while Arnold Schoenberg's avant-garde techniques heralded a seismic shift in the musical landscape.

Our exploration doesn't halt at the Western world. We'll voyage into the vibrant heartbeats of Sub-Saharan Africa, the melodic tales of India, and the rhythmic whispers of Japan. The enchanting legacies of these regions have left indelible imprints on European and American compositions, offering a diverse and illuminating musical journey.

During this course, your auditory senses will be treated to a diverse array of music, from the ethereal Gregorian Chants of yore to contemporary chartbusters. Unearth answers to intriguing questions like:

  • Which maestro orchestrated the suspenseful notes that accompany a film's most tense moments?
  • Who envisioned the rousing call-and-response rhythms that march soldiers forward?
  • How did maritime melodies synchronize sailors' efforts on towering ships?
  • Which tracks became unlikely symbols of liberty for escaping slaves?
  • How did an ancient musical form resurge to modern-day fame in the 1980s?
  • What role did music play in kindling the flames of the Civil Rights movement?

Enroll now to traverse time with melodies and rhythms, celebrating the luminaries whose musical masterpieces have been the ever-evolving soundtrack to humanity's journey.

 
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Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.41 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(833 votes)

Lesson 1. Harmony and Melody: The Intersection of Emotion and Sound

Harmony and melody combine to form a layered soundscape that holds the listener's attention and complements the primary theme. These elements work together to create complexity in music, whether it's a simple consonance or an intricate composition. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introduce Yourself
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. From Plainsong to Polyphony: Medieval Musical Evolution

The development of musical notation, beginning with neumes and later advanced by Franco of Cologne's rhythmic notation, revolutionized music's documentation. This notational evolution compared to introducing punctuation in texts enabled both melody and rhythm to be preserved, influencing modern composition. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. A Symphony of Change: Unveiling Renaissance Music Dynamics

Renaissance music marked a significant cultural awakening between the 14th and 17th centuries, driven by the resurgence of ancient Greek and Roman philosophies. This era saw music's evolution catalyzed by technological advances such as the printing press, fostering a global exchange of ideas and styles. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Baroque Melodies Explored

The instruments of the Baroque era, such as the organ, harpsichord, and early iterations of the piano, reached artistic zeniths that still captivate modern audiences. With contributions from esteemed craftsmen, these instruments provided a rich, nuanced sound central to the expressive capacity of Baroque compositions. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Classical Music Unveiled

Influenced by Enlightenment values and cultural changes brought by revolutions, Classical music became accessible to the middle class, emphasizing simplicity and emotional honesty. Composers like Haydn and Mozart set the groundwork for future musical development with innovations in symphonic structure and advancements in musical notation. 14 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Romanticism in Music: Expressive and Transformative

Iconic Romantic composers like Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Schumann combined tradition with innovation, each contributing uniquely to the era's legacy. While Brahms focused on absolute music, others embraced storytelling, resulting in a rich tapestry of emotional and thematic exploration. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. From Impressionism to Expressionism: Bridging the Musical Chasm

Neoclassicism emerged post-WWI, drawing from the structured simplicity of the 18th century and countering Romantic excess with clarity. Composers such as Stravinsky harnessed complex rhythms and chromaticism, redefining harmonic frontiers and fostering a renaissance of chamber music. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Modernism's Emergence in Post-WWII Classical Music

Arnold Schoenberg revolutionized modern music through serialism, guiding classical compositions into new, uncharted terrains with mathematical structures. His influence persists as contemporary maestros, such as Boulez and Stockhausen, continue to explore this ordered musical realm. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Jazz: Origins and Evolution (1890-1945)

Blues music emerged as a poignant reflection of African-American struggles, employing blue notes and a call-and-response framework to express deep emotion and resilience. Its oral tradition and the contributions of composers like W.C. Handy expanded the blues' reach, influencing a variety of subgenres and musical styles. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Bebop and Beyond

The 1950s saw Latin jazz rise to prominence, infusing vibrant rhythms and unique percussion instruments into the jazz scene. Artists like Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie melded cultural influences into this energetic genre, showcasing jazz's ability to adapt and celebrate multicultural dialogues. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Opera: A Dynamic Fusion of Music and Storytelling

Opera's tapestry is woven with influential personas like Monteverdi and Verdi, whose works combined dramatic tales with musical brilliance, expanding the genre's reach. As a dynamic narrative form, opera integrates modern stories and themes, securing its role as both a preserver and innovator in the artistic landscape. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. The World of Opera: A Timeless Art Form

With a maturity that enhances their capabilities, opera singers master unique classifications like tenor and soprano to become multi-dimensional storytellers on stage. Legendary icons such as Caruso and Callas not only defined these roles but also elevated opera to a beloved global art form. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. The Chronicles of Broadway: From Gaslights to Spotlights

Broadway's odyssey from 19th-century inception to a powerhouse of cultural influence highlights its transformation through innovation, transportation, and technology, earning the title of 'The Great White Way.' Today, it remains a global artistic icon, enchanting audiences with timeless masterpieces like 'Hamilton' and 'Wicked.' 16 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. From Crooners to Rock Stars: A Historical Overview of Pop

The 1940s and 1950s revolutionized music distribution with the rise of vinyl and the Billboard charts, turning songs into metrics of success. Later, the Rock 'n' Roll Revolution injected youthful rebellion and cultural dynamism, epitomizing the genre's capacity to cross racial and regional boundaries. 15 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. The Timeless Tapestry of Folk Music: Voices Across Generations

Western music embodies frontier life, drawing from British ballads to depict the cowboy's rugged narrative. Nostalgically embraced by Hollywood, figures like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry perpetuate its legacy within American cultural consciousness. 14 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16. Cultural Harmony: The Many Roles and Rhythms of Non-Western Music

Throughout history, music has empowered movements for social change and resistance, as seen in genres like South African marabi and Jamaican reggae, which have articulated struggles and aspirations. These musical forms not only provide an expressive outlet but also act as catalysts for societal reflection and progression. 56 Total Points
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 16 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
253
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define and explain the fundamental elements of music, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, and their roles in composing a musical piece.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of musical texture by identifying different types within a given piece, such as monophonic, homophonic, or polyphonic textures.
  • Analyze the evolution of medieval music notation from neumes to rhythmic notation, demonstrating its influence on modern musical composition techniques.
  • Identify the defining characteristics of Gregorian Chant and explain its impact on contemporary music through examples such as film scores and video game soundtracks.
  • Define polyphony and demonstrate its application in Renaissance music through analyses of compositions by Jacob Obrecht.
  • Describe the evolution of secular and religious music during the Renaissance, citing examples of forms such as the madrigal and Masses.
  • Analyze the influence of key Baroque composers, such as Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi, by describing their contributions to the development of opera, oratorio, and instrumental music.
  • Define the characteristics of Baroque music by identifying its key features, including counterpoint, harmony, and the significance of melody in compositions.
  • Define the key musical innovations of the Classical period, including the emergence of the symphony and advancements in musical notation.
  • Identify the contributions of pioneering composers like Haydn and Mozart to the development of new musical forms and styles.
  • Describe how technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution influenced the development and complexity of Romantic era compositions
  • Identify the key characteristics of Romantic music by analyzing examples of emotion and innovation in works from the era
  • Identify key characteristics of Impressionism, Neoclassicism, and Expressionism by examining selected compositions from 1900 to 1945.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Introduction to Music Appreciation
Course Number: 8900277
Lessons Rating: 4.41 / 5 Stars (833 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: March 2024
CEU Value: 1.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "Course was informative and this instructor was polite and professional and helpful and I would take another course with her again!" -- Emily L.
  • "The instructor was very punctual in letting you know your course progress. Very informative course." -- Robert B.
  • "Then complete details of the lessons and the background presented was most helpful. The instructor's examples were very helpful." -- William B.
  • "Great course. Great instructor. Assignments and quizzes/tests were all graded in a timely manner with helpful feedback." -- Faith L.
  • "The instructor was very helpful to complete the course. Thank you very much." -- Toru H.
  • "I loved all of it." -- Kelley S.

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