1. The ability to recognize the standard literature presented in the text and in class.

2. The ability to recognize the standard orchestral and band instruments by sight and sound.

3. The ability to pronounce the names of the composers presented in the text and in class.

4. The ability to pronounce and define the termonology as presented in the glossary in the text.

5. The ability to place the composers and compositions presented in the text and in class in the correct historical style period.

6. An understanding of the historical times and circumstances under which the composers worked.

7. A GENUINE willingness to appreciation this art form (or a reasonable facsimile of genuine!)

  "You are a subscriber to an opportunity to learn, to learn to think, to learn to learn, and to stretch the limits of your capacity to work."

Music Appreciation is designed to acquaint students with the basic art music of Western society necessary to thrive in today's world. In the process of achieving this result, selected goals of Areas 2 and 6 of the University Core Curriculum will be addressed. Please refer to the booklet: University Core Curriculum / A Guide for Students / 1996-97 for a complete list of these goals.

Goal # 1

"Examine some of the formative ideas and cultural traditions that have shaped Western experience."

Western traditions, such as music notation, formal concerts, composition and advanced study will be studied to determine what sets Western music apart from other traditions.

Goal # 2

"Study classic and contemporary texts that have influenced or exemplified currents in Western thought and imagination."

An examination of music from the various style periods illustrates how this art form has developed along the lines of Western thought and imagination - from the development and use of notation (theory) to the examination of ancient cultures as source material for composition.

Goal # 3

"Gain an understanding of some aspects of human achievement and experience that have been persistently overlooked in mainstream Western culture, including those of women, minorities, and non-Western peoples."

A substantial percentage of creative works under consideration in this course are those created by women, minorities, and non-Western people beginning with the compositions of Hildegard of Bingen and moving through works by William Grant Still and Chou Wen-Chung.

Goal # 4

"Analyze creative works of various mediums both in the arts and technology from the viewpoints of cultural meanings and influence."

Some 42 creative works will be studied in detail.

Goal # 6

"Consider the contributions of philosophical, ethical, or religious systems to human life"

Under consideration are various masses, sacred vocal and instrumental works as well as works directly influenced by philosophies.

Goal # 9

"Study the life, thought, and creative activity of men and women of achievement in various fields of human endeavor."

As part of the examination of the great works in Western music, a brief look at the lives and creative process of the composers is included. Here one can observe how various cultural influences have been at work shaping the creative output of the great minds of Western culture.

Goal # 1

"Participate in cultural events and activities on campus, in both popular and classical arts"

While not required, attendance at cultural events is strongly encouraged to reinforce the knowledge gained in class.

Goal # 2

"Understand how the artists or designers who produce these events and works have shaped their ideas"

What is in the mind of the performer or conductor? Why are various tempi chosen? Why does the orchestra sit in this pattern? These and other questions will be answered.

Goal # 4

"Explore the interaction of art and society, including the contributions of diverse groups to cultural life, such as women and members of minority groups".

The making of the "Fortune 500", Blacksburg's "Steppin' Out" festival, and various summer arts festivals are examined to illustrate the interaction of art and society.

Goal # 5

"Study selected works of fine and applied arts"

This course will define fine and applied arts and take a close-up look at many creative works.

Each test will devote several questions to the criteria stated above to assess the student's understanding.