Many of us spend our life listening to music, whether aware or unaware. Music surrounds us, fills the airwaves and influences us in so many ways. What is the definition of music? After all, what is “music” to one's ears may not be music to another's. Where does music come from? Why does music sound the way it does? How is the music of today linked to the past? Why should pop musicians be grateful to Bach?
This class provides an overall understanding of music, an overall appreciation for its past, present and potential future. Music has always had an impact on its listeners and has been used to promote the ideals of different civilizations. Like architecture, literature and art, music has evolved over the centuries…a living mirror and history of man's evolution and philosophy which has the power to reveal to our “modern” ears the sounds of the past: mysticism, reverence, love, passion, joy, sorrow and celebration…
Come and share this common musical thread and discover how much we have in common with those of long ago. It is in understanding this past that we can put into perspective our musical present.
The Music Appreciation DVD-ROM used for the Viewing Exam
Note: This material will be sent to your address on file at New River Community College. Please make sure that it is updated and correct.
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Once the course material has been picked up from Distance Ed, make sure that you read thoroughly the Course Plan. All instructions for the semester are found there.
Please make sure that you sign the Agreement form included in your Course Plan and return by the deadline date indicated there.
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A: Yes. If you need humanities credits, MUS 121 fulfills 3 credits.
A: Absolutely
A: Music Appreciation acquaints the students with various aspects of music that the average listener may be unaware of. It will look at the evolution of Western Music, from the Middle Ages to present day. Not only will it cover why our music today sounds the way it does, but it will also explore the power of music in one's everyday life.
A: This class is designed for the student who needs the convenience of taking a course outside of the normal lecture time due to work related, family or physical restraints. The student who takes this course feels more comfortable working with a textbook and paper, rather than studying everything online.
A: No. However grades are posted there for those who want to immediately check their grades. All grades will be given to the students via voice mail, so it is really not necessary.
A: It is a system that we have on campus to complement the lecture, online or distance education classes. If a student desires information on how to use blackboard, the Distance Education office would be happy to explain how to log on.
A: Almost entirely. The only part that is not paper-based involves the viewing of the Music Appreciation CD-ROMs available free from Distance Education. These will be used for an “open” CD-ROM exam to be taken throughout the semester.
A: The Student Resource DVD comes automatically with the book. You are not expected to use it. If you are comfortable with using the technology, you can go ahead and further your music appreciation experience. However, no assignments are given that use it.
A: NRCC has computers available for all of its students with personnel who are willing to help explain how to view the CD-ROMs. Also local libraries have computers which can be used by the community.
A: There will be five exams, one CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Viewing Exam and Open-Book Study Guide Review questions to turn in.
A: There are no extra credit projects for this class. Just make sure that you spend the necessary time to read the text and complete the assignments as required. That should help you prepare for the exams.
A: A curious mind, the ability to work on one's own, and a love of music!
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are speaking French!
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