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.

Course Materials

To be purchased at the College Bookstore: OnMusic Appreciation Fourth Edition

Getting Started

Buying and Registering Access Code:

• Using your VCCS student email account, purchase your course materials from the New River Bookstore.
• After buying your material, you will receive PIN number on the Web Order and confirmation email from Kortext.
• The instructions will include where to login on Kortext.
• Once logged in, you will be able to redeem your PIN number for a specific code to login within Canvas.
• Go to the Connect 4 Education Module in Canvas, and type in the publisher’s access code to unlock the course content.
• From this point forward, access the course through the Connect 4 Education link in Canvas.

Advice:

• Buy your course materials before the first day of class.
• On the first day of the semester the course will open in Canvas so you can register your access code.
• Acquaint yourself with the Course Information section under Modules before starting the class.
• Follow the course schedule to stay on target with deadlines.
• Check course announcements in CANVAS and your CANVAS inbox regularly to access communications from your instructor.
• Contact your instructor with any questions or concerns. Professor Billaud responds quickly and eagerly looks forward to helping you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the purpose of this course?
  A: Understand and recognize the role of art music within the context of society throughout Western history. Enhance knowledge of significant musicians and musical works. Identify various components within a composition or performance that influence the overall listening experience.
• Q: Is this course transferable?
  A:This course meets the general education requirement at many universities. Music courses and the transferability chart (TVA Transfer Table) are available in the Transfer Virginia folder. Please check the university you plan to transfer to in order to ensure its transferability.
• Q: Why take these courses at New River?
  A: New River Community College has been a leader in online learning courses. The instructor is passionate and knowledgeable about music and desires to instill that same passion and knowledge to her students through the interactive forum of online education.
• Q: Who is this class designed for?
  A: This class is designed for the student who feels comfortable working online and who needs the convenience of taking a course outside of the normal lecture time due to work related, family or physical restraints.
• Q: Is this course entirely online? Can I be somewhere else and still take this course?
  A:Yes, it is entirely online and can “attended” from anywhere!