1. Music Appreciation (MUSI 1306)
Dr. Holderer
Course Website: (
Course Textbook: Introduction to Music Appreciation. Bethanie Hansen, David Whitehouse, and Cathy Silverman. American Public University System ePress

2. The Impact of Music Greek Philosophy: Music of the Spheres
Music was mathematically and scientifically linked to the universe.
Music had the power to influence everything from birth to politics.
Voyager Space probe recording planetary sounds.
Romantic Philosophy: Music is a moral and ethical force.
It has the power to change people and the world.
Nobility is not an inherited title, but a personal characteristic of an individual (Beethoven).

3. Music con’t. Music is everywhere and so are its effects.
Sounds impact us.
Rattlings in our cars upset us.
Noises or repeated sounds can either put us to sleep at night or keep us up.
(the dog barking vs a mother singing to her child).

4. Music is ritualistic Masses and Oratorio
The music that pumps us up before a workout.

5. Purpose of this Course
To study the development of Western Music from the Late Medieval and Renaissance period to the present day.
Emphasis will be placed on developing visual and audiographic knowledge of music.
Student will develop a broad conversational-level knowledge of music and music history.

6. Music’s Architectural Analogues.
Music & Architecture
Music’s Architectural Analogues.
We’ve come a long way

7. Important Terms
Monuments of Music
The Period Eye

8. More Terms Texture Melody Harmony Voices/Voicing Tempo/Tempi Dynamics
Form

9. How to Listen/Listening Skills
Passive vs. Active Listening
You will become Active Listeners
You will listen to music differently than you have in the past.

10. Adding Historical Context
Whenever possible, I will present the historical circumstances surrounding a particular piece of music.
It is important to see history as a whole and not just as a set of detached events.

11. Continued Learning Learning doesn’t stop with classwork.
I’d like you to listen beyond the examples presented in class. It will enhance your understanding of what we do in class and will enhance your cultural understanding as well.