As a music educator, I've noticed a significant gap in courses that explore the evolution of music over time. While many classes meticulously outline the histories of the Classical, Baroque, and Jazz eras, there is a notable scarcity of music curriculums that trace the transformation of musical styles, genres, and trends across decades. Understanding this musical evolution is essential not only for embracing the richness of musical diversity but also for grasping how societal changes have influenced and shaped the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies we hear today.

Welcome to Sounds of the Ages! In this twelve week course, learners will be exposed to a new music decade each and every week. From the roaring 20's, to the swinging 60's, each decade offers its own unique musical styles and cultural influences which defined the generation of that era. Often, learners find it challenging to appreciate music from generations different from their own. This course aims to provide learners with the context needed to understand and appreciate the historical circumstances and influences that shaped the musical identity of each decade.

🍎 What Will Be Taught:
-Week 1: Music of the 1920’s
-Week 2: Music of the 1930’s
-Week 3: Music of the 1940’s
-Week 4: Music of the 1950’s
-Week 5: Music of the 1960’s
-Week 6: Music of the 1970’s
-Week 7: Music of the 1980’s
-Week 8: Music of the 1990’s
-Week 9: Music of the 2000’s
-Week 10: Music of the 2010’s
-Week 11: Music from the Current Decade!
-Week 12: Review and Reflect!

🎵 What We'll Learn
In this course, learners will explore different decades in music history, exploring a range of topics every week. Here's what's ahead...
-Overview of the Decade: A snapshot of what life was like during that time.
-Historical, Cultural, and More: Uncover the significant events and movements that influenced and shaped the music of the era. --This includes not only historical happenings but also the cultural and political vibes of the time.
-Tech Trends and Toys: Discover interesting technology and children's toys that were all the rage during that decade.
-Arts and Culture: Learn about the groundbreaking developments in film, art, architecture, fashion, and dance, which all played a role in shaping the cultural landscape.
-Musical Genres: Discover the diverse musical genres that were born during the decade, exploring how they contributed to the musical tapestry of the time.
-Notable Artists and Composers: Get to know the talented musicians and composers who made waves during the era.
-Dance Styles: Step back in time to learn about the popular dance styles that had everyone grooving.
-Hit Songs: Learners will listen to excerpts of chart-topping songs that defined the era.

🏫 Class Structure
Each class will begin with learning a new vocal song from the decade. The selected song may be a folk song or popular song making waves at the time. After learning the vocal song, learners will receive a music appreciation lesson on the decade of the week. Learners can expect to discover details about the music, culture, and history of that decade, gaining insights into the broader context of the music they're singing and hearing. Learners will explore and discuss how significant historical, cultural, and political events or movements influenced the music, and discover the technology, arts, and dance styles that defined the era. They'll also get to hear the song and genres that were born during that time and learn about the iconic artists and composers who shaped the soundtracks of the decade. 

👩🏼‍🏫 Teacher Style
As a teacher, I have often been described as "passionate", "caring" and "tech-savvy" by parents, students and administrators alike. While I enjoy creating structured lesson plans, I tend to embrace organic learning moments as they arise and I encourage learners to ask questions and discuss concepts introduced to them throughout the course.

🙋🏽 Learner Interaction:
Learners are engaged throughout the course and asked to participate by singing, class discussions, reading content on slides, answer critical thinking questions and asking questions as they arise. Learners will also be able to collaborate and share their thoughts on Padlet, a third-party tool utilized in this course (please see external resources and parental guidance for more information).

🧠 Required Experience or Knowledge:
No prior musical background or knowledge is required for this course.