What Do You Hear?

Students will listen to music in a way they've never listened to it before. I've always felt a very strong connection with music, as I'm sure everyone does too, but I've always wondered, why? Where does this connection come from and why is music making me feel this way? This class is geared to listen to music in a very different way. Instead of just listening to the music, we will analyze the music, but not from a theoretical standpoint, from a psychological standpoint. We will use descriptors (words) to describe what the music is trying to tell us, and how the music makes us feel or think. There will always be different interpretations of music because not one person thinks or feels the same. This can be a valuable asset to learning and keeping an open mind to what others think and feel with the same piece of music. Depending on the class size, every class meeting length is subject to change, and some classes might be slightly shorter if there is a single learner enrolled. This is due to the discussion-based nature of the class. This class is solely a listening and discussion activity so note-taking is optional but highly recommended. There will be a new listening every week. During the class meeting, we will listen to short excerpts of the piece and discuss our thoughts and feelings. 

Music excerpts will range from classical works from composers such as: Bruckner, Beethoven, Bach, Berlioz, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Mahler, etc., to musicians such as: Miles Davis, The Beatles, Philip Glass, Radiohead, John Williams, Billie Eilish, Queen, etc.