Music Appreciation Syllabus
Music Appreciation Syllabus
Music Appreciation Syllabus
Course Description
Music Appreciation is a survey course that explores the connections between musical elements
and time periods. Throughout the semester, students will develop new approaches to music
listening and reception. Students will also practice their critical thinking, analysis, presentation
skills, and awareness of other cultures and traditions than their own.
1. Listen, study and internalize the evolution and stylistic characteristics of principal forms
of music primarily after 1900.
2. Explore the stylistic elements and performance practices associated with these various
periods.
3. Develop a comprehensive analysis on one piece of music from these periods.
4. Continue to enhance philosophy and approach of quality in trends of both historical and
future music.
5. Have open, safe discussions with classmates on the findings of analyses and personal
experiences.
6. Develop advanced presentational, writing, and communication skills.
Course Objectives
It is expected that after completion of this course students will be able to:
• Writing utensil
• Lined paper/notebook
• Folder
Optional:
• Laptop or iPad (phones not accepted)
Writing Submissions
All written documents should be first approved by the teacher for clarity and neatness.
Any assignment without a name will be given 0 points without a chance for edit. The paper
must be rewritten to receive full points. TAKE CREDIT FOR YOUR WORK!
Presentations
Presenters will be given 10 minutes to present their findings and research on a selected piece at
the end of the semester. Presentations must include a visual element (PowerPoint or similar
software/online presentation tool, poster, props, etc.). Additionally, the presenter must
incorporate audio/video recordings and score excerpt examples to supplement the presentation.
1. Presentations must adhere to given time limits and should be practiced prior to the
presentation date.
2. Presenters are to be dressed appropriately for a presentation or demonstration.
3. Each student is responsible for providing written and brief verbal feedback for their
peers.
4. A strict reading of the lecture/presentation will not result in a passing grade.
5. Assessment Criteria for presentations is outlined in each project rubric.
Attendance
Attendance is crucial for developing your knowledge in all course material and for engagement
in collaborative group discussions. In the case of an illness or emergency contact the teacher
prior to class for it to be considered as an excused absence. Promptness to class is expected.
*School and athletic events will be considered excused absences as long as notice is given at
least one week prior to the scheduled event. *
Policy:
Assignments
Assignments are expected to be completed and turned in on the day they are due and late
assignments will not be accepted.
Listening Reflections:
Every week, students will be assigned a listening reflection during class. These reflections will
be submitted to the teacher and collected throughout the semester. For their final presentation,
students will be allowed to use their reflections to inform their research and writing.
In-Class Discussion: Each student will have the opportunity discuss, argue, and interpret
observations about music with their peers. These discussions will be safe, appropriate, civil, and
challenging. Student involvement will be notated for points. Any student who does not wish to
participate in the discussion will not receive points.
Mini Research Prompts: Every 2-4 weeks, students will be assigned a piece of music to listen to
and report back on. Each student will give a brief summary of the piece (composer/performer,
dates, historical significance, etc.) their best assessment of what they heard, and their honest
interpretation/opinion of it.
The main form of communication to students is expected to be through your school email. Please
refrain from using your personal email accounts to communicate with the conductor.
I have read and understand this syllabus in its entirety. I understand the expectations, goals, and
consequent rewards or outcomes for my efforts. I also understand that I am in charge of my
success and that my work will always be reflected in my final grades.
___________________________ _________________________________
Student Name: Student Signature:
___________________________ _________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Signature:
**This form is to be completed and returned to Mr. Hartung no later than August 27th, 2021**