Online Class: Introduction to Music Appreciation
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16Lessons
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41Exams &
Assignments -
2,640Students
have taken this course -
16Hours
average time -
1.6CEUs
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Video Audit
Available
Course Description
"Melodies of Time: A Journey Through Music's Evocative History"
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, "Melodies of Time." 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.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Basic Elements of Music
Sound characteristics of music help the brain determine that what it hears is music, but elements of music can also be analyzed by the brain to evaluate its quality and experiences.Lesson 2 : Medieval Music
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the key characteristics, instruments, and composers of medieval music.Lesson 3: Renaissance Music
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the key characteristics, instruments, and composers of Renaissance music.Lesson 4: Baroque Music
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the key characteristics and composers of Baroque music.Lesson 5: Classical Music
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the characteristics and composers of the Classical period in music.Lesson 6: The Romantic Period
By the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the composers and musical styles of the Romantic Period.Lesson 7: Classical (Pre-modern) Music, 1900-1945
The 20th century ushered in some of the most important and exciting changes in music.Lesson 8: Classical (Modern) Music, 1945 to Present
The second half of the 20th century saw an even more varied style of classical music, incorporating many styles, such as serialism and minimalism.Lesson 9: Jazz, 1890 to 1945
Jazz has an honorary place in American music as being one of the first forms of music to be developed in the United States.Lesson 10: Jazz, 1945 to Present
Individual jazz musicians continued to push the boundaries of jazz, and a new style of jazz developed called bebop.Lesson 11: Opera Part One
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the forms and composers of opera.Lesson 12: Opera: Part Two
At the end of this lesson, you will recognize some of the voice classifications, performers, and venues of opera.Lesson 13: Broadway Musical Theatre
At the end of this lesson, you will be familiar with some of the composers and performers who made Broadway music part of our collective culture.Lesson 14: Pop Music
At the end of this lesson, participants will be familiar with some early iconic composers and performers of popular music in America.Lesson 15: Folk Music
At the end of this lesson, participants will be familiar with some of the origins, formats, and performers of American folk music.Lesson 16: Non-Western Music
Non-Western music is a diverse tradition that reflects the history, development, and characteristics of some of the world's most populous nations.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe basic elements of music.
- Identify medieval music.
- Identify renaissance music.
- Identify baroque music.
- Identify classical music.
- Summarize the romantic period in music.
- Summarize classical (pre-modern) music, 1900-1945 and modern classic music (1945-present).
- Identify, recognize and describe jazz music.
- Recognize opera music.
- Recognize and identify pop music, folk music, and non-western music.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information
- 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
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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