Apreciación musical: la historia de la música occidental

Music Appreciation - The History of Western Music is an overview of music history ancient to present-day. Learners will study a variety of topics as they travel through time, with a focus on notable composers and their music. 

Each class will follow a similar format beginning with homework check and share. Next a composer spotlight including biographical information and music selections. Lastly, a related activity such as a game or composition. Class will end with an explanation of the week's homework assignments.

Homework is designed to keep students engaged, to prepare students for the upcoming class, and to facilitate a more interactive learning environment. Homework will include short reading assignments with questions, music listening assignments, and online quizzes (Kahoot!). Assignments and resources will be posted on Outschool each week. Learners will be given handouts and materials to use during class as well. 

Below is an outline of the course. The pacing of this course may be adjusted as needed.

Week 1
Class Introduction
Ancient Music/Renaissance Music
Composer Spotlight - Palestrina
Create a vocal piece in the Renaissance style

Week 2
Baroque Music
Composer Spotlight - Vivaldi
Create a four seasons piece with simple poetry and instruments

Week 3
Classical Music
Composer Spotlight - Haydn
Compose a simple rhythm to play along with music

Week 4
Classical Music Continued
Composer Spotlight - Beethoven
Create a movement or instrument pattern to play along with the form of a song

Week 5 
Romantic Music
Composer Spotlight - Saint-Saens
Timbre - Instrument Identification and Classification

Week 6
Ragtime Music
Composer Spotlight - Joplin
Create a listening map for a Ragtime song

Week 7 
Experimental/Atonal Music
Composer Spotlight - Seeger
Compose an atonal piece

Week 8
Jazz Music
Composer Spotlight - Ellington
Improvise a rhythm or Melody

Week 9
Musical Theater
Composer Spotlight - Webber
Create a plan for a musical using a children's story

Week 10
Film Music
Composer Spotlight - Williams
Create a musical sound scape to follow the action of a story
Review Games