Music History: The Lives & Works of Famous Composers (High School)

NOTE: This is the course offered for high school (ages 14-18). There is a middle grades level equivalent course (ages 9-14). Check my profile to find that version.

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What will we study?

Students will explore the lives and music of various influential Western composers from the Renaissance to the Modern Period. I will engage with learners through lectures and discussions that are supported by visually rich and interesting PowerPoint visuals and audio clips of the composers' most popular works. 

Special attention will be given to listening for and accurately identifying the style of each composer. Notetaking sheets will be provided, encouraging students to interact with the material and to retain what they've learned. 

No previous musical experience is necessary for learners to be successful in this class.

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The composers will be introduced according the following schedule: 

Week of Jan 6 - Palestrina (Renaissance Period)
Week of Jan 13 - J. S. Bach (Baroque Period)
Week of Jan 20 - Mozart (Classical Period)
Week of Jan 27 - Beethoven (Classical Period)
Week of Feb 3 - Schumann (Romantic Period)
Week of Feb 10 - Brahms (Romantic Period)
Week of Feb 17 - Tchaikovsky (Romantic Period)
Week of Feb 24 - Rachmaninoff (Late Romantic Period)
Week of March 3 - Maurice Ravel (Impressionism)
Week of March 10 - John Williams (Modern Period)