music question homework

Essays will not be accepted after the Friday class on the 30th…

Essay Requirement: Typewritten, “DOUBLE SPACED”, in prose (complete sentences/any font), paragraphs delineated by change in thought or topic, a concluding paragraph summarizing the content of the essay. PLEASE INDICATE THE QUESTION NUMBER(S) IN REFERENCE TO YOUR LITERARY PRESENTATION.

Note the following statement:

Essay: a short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative demonstrating one’s examination and critical thinking about topic(s)/question(s) raised and addressed in the essay.

Essays can be responses to philosophical, cultural, or discipline related (ex: music) issues taking place within a time period affecting one personally that raises questions calling for “Critical Thinking” within a response often reflecting a broad view as it relates to individual’s lives.

Essay #3:

Address the following questions: (your answers must indicate your personal opinions/thoughts and provide the reasoning or information that has produced your critical thinking/opinion…..

General

Past “realities” become “history”

1. The 20th Century has been labeled as “The American Century”. Mankind advanced more rapidly than any other century in recorded time. In your opinion, what American contributions (1900-2000) to the “Musical Landscape” were as significant to the rest of the world as were the contributions of ‘European culture” from 1700 – 1900? How do they compare to the great European Musical Advancements of the previous eras (as significant in terms of the magnitude of artistic creation and musical advancement, or not?). Give examples.

2. In your own words: (a) define: The worldwide “musical culture” of the 21st Century (2000 – present) in all aspects that make intellectual and musical sense to you.

Music Major Specific

3. Does Music still retain the importance in the daily lives of all populations in the 21st century? If so, How? (on a “national”, “international”, or simply “personal” basis). Explain your thoughts with examples that reflect one or all of the three demographics.

4. What music in your opinion, will survive into the 2nd half of the 21st century (2050 – 2100) in terms of being performed and sought after as “live music” specifically performed by musicians? Name the styles (Western Classical Instrumental/Choral Music, American “Pop” Music, “World Music”, “Live Jazz”, etc.) and justify your reasoning as to why such music will retain mass appeal.

Personal

5. “Music is a lifelong journey; the ‘end’ of which happily ‘never’ appears”. Within 2 – 5 years you will be entering the next phase of your lives (adult and musical).

Some of you may no longer be enrolled in any educational institute pursuing musical study/training but will be contributing to the perpetuation of music in society by assuming some role (performer, educator, technician, producer, composer/arranger, or music business occupation, etc.). Others may continue on with advanced studies in your chosen career paths.

Are you prepared: “In terms of musical and intellectual development, where do you feel that you currently stand and how does this personal assessment affect your career plans?

As you answer this question, the realities of your next efforts will start to become apparent. This is normal and should not upset or deter you from continuing on your life goals.

6. On January 2019, what will be your greatest strength in achieving your career goals? What will be your next immediate challenge to address during 2019?

Music History

7. If you have learned anything from music history it should be to now start forming your own “personal value system” of “which kind of music matters” recognizing that certain incredible human musical experiences of the past must not be lost on future generations. The historical landscape is vast and you as a participant must now prioritize your personal passions as you never have had to.

The “isms” of the 20th century do not dictate in any substantive manner of permanence in the arts especially music. Music making has become a fast-moving, intense, creative response to short-lived traditions producing intellectual boundaries that are so vast as to dilute the art of performance itself.

What would you personally hope to see stabilized in the performance and audience appeal of 21st century music that might replicate the and retain what is “good” in music for the benefit of future generations.

Origins

8. This class was never designed to test your knowledge of historical fact and detail unless you became interested in some creative aspect that you felt compelled to personally pursue on your own. The sessions were to coax and encourage you to personally engage in “critical musical thinking” without the stress of earning a grade that will not likely be of any importance following your departure from this institution.

Your classes tend to exploit the all important “what’s” ….. What’s on the test, what do I have to read, what about attendance, what am I supposed to learn, and of course what will this time spent contribute to my future?

The only important “what” is the value of your “educated intellectual growth” as a musician that with a deeply felt passion based on such growth allows you critically think, intelligently understand, access and to continue pursuing the technical, historical, and musical information at your disposal allowing you to become a contributor to the art, not a bystander.

Music History may play a part in that growth, but not necessarily as presented in a curriculum. The real reason is to expose all students to the past creative processes and the geniuses who by their involvement created the art form that must continue to affect future generations. (That’s where you all come into the picture) ……

Question:

What will you probably take away from this course that might be long lasting after you have completed your degree? Address the “big picture” or “any details” that seem relevant.