Listening to Music: An Introduction

Intended for non-major students with little or no formal training.

When you listen to music—on the radio, on your Ipod, at a concert—how much do you really hear? This course has two goals: to refine listening skills, thus increasing the student’s understanding and enjoyment of music, while at the same time providing a survey of the major composers and musical styles of the Western classical repertory to be encountered in concert halls today. Students will be introduced to music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods, including works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, and Stravinsky. Genres to be covered include the symphony, chamber music, opera, song, and choral music. Attendance at selected concerts on campus required.

Evaluation will be based on two quizzes, a midterm and a final exam, and two concert reports.  Enrollment limit: 40 (expected: 30).