Category: Music

Popular Music in the USA

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The 1970s presented a sharp break from what we have been seeing in the 1960s, both musically and in larger
cultural trends. Describe three ways in which this break manifested. Two should be musical, referencing
stylistic, economic, aural, or philosophical shifts within the music of specific artists. The third example must be
cultural or economic, in which you will identify and describe one way in which the society shifted, either an
inspiration for or reflection of the musical changes you highlighted. Please be detail oriented.

Music and You

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Think about your musical past.
Instructions:
1. Answer the following questions:
a. Is there music that you used to enjoy, that you no longer listen to? What is that music?
b. How exciting was it to you to hear that music, or see images of those performers?
c. How does that music make you feel, now?
d. Does it connect you to your past?
e. Does it bring back fond memories, or seem trite by your tastes, today?

Concert review

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Write a five-hundred word Concert Review of your experience.You may write your review on that concert or select a classical concert to attend and review. Use musical terms. Please see attach additional tips for writing a musical concert review.

Music Reflection

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“The only ones I even pretend to please are big white folk, and even those I control more than they control me. This is a power set-up, son, and I’m at the controls” (p. 140). “These white folks have newspapers, magazines, radios, spokesmen to get their ideas across. If they want to tell the world a lie, they can tell it so well that it becomes the truth; and if I tell them that you’re lying, they’ll tell the world even if you prove you’re telling the truth. Because it’s the kind of lie they want to hear…” (p. 141). “I don’t even insist that it was worth it, but now I’m here and I mean to stay — after you win the game, you take the prize and you keep it, protect it; there’s nothing else to do” (p. 141). Consider the words of Ellison’s fictional character, Dr. Hebert Bledsoe, president of the historically Black college attended by the protagonist. Select one or more of the quotations (above), and address one or more of the following questions: Is there such a thing as world wisdom, or street smarts? Does Bledsoe possess an insight into the workings of the world that has allowed him to succeed? How accurate do you think his view of the world is? How cynical is it? What implications are there with respect to the power of the media? Are Bledsoe’s views still relevant in today’s world?

Music Reflection

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“The only ones I even pretend to please are big white folk, and even those I control more than they control me. This is a power set-up, son, and I’m at the controls” (p. 140). “These white folks have newspapers, magazines, radios, spokesmen to get their ideas across. If they want to tell the world a lie, they can tell it so well that it becomes the truth; and if I tell them that you’re lying, they’ll tell the world even if you prove you’re telling the truth. Because it’s the kind of lie they want to hear…” (p. 141). “I don’t even insist that it was worth it, but now I’m here and I mean to stay — after you win the game, you take the prize and you keep it, protect it; there’s nothing else to do” (p. 141). Consider the words of Ellison’s fictional character, Dr. Hebert Bledsoe, president of the historically Black college attended by the protagonist. Select one or more of the quotations (above), and address one or more of the following questions: Is there such a thing as world wisdom, or street smarts? Does Bledsoe possess an insight into the workings of the world that has allowed him to succeed? How accurate do you think his view of the world is? How cynical is it? What implications are there with respect to the power of the media? Are Bledsoe’s views still relevant in today’s world?

Chimurenga music in Zimbabwe.

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Discuss the origin and the development of Chimurenga music in Zimbabwe. What is the meaning of Chimurenga and how does it come about? In your discussion consider factors such as the influence and inspiration of traditional Shona music on Thomas Mapfumo throughout his musical career.

The videos should give you some ideas on the commonalities in traditional Shona music performance and how Mapfumo invoke Shona musical sensibilities through the use of instruments, style and rhythm in Chimurenga music.

 

Pattern and rhythm

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Pattern and rhythm are such an integral part of human perception of the world that their absence can be very disconcerting. Do you think it would be possible for an artist to create a completely random work? How might he or she do this? Would viewers be able to understand a work that does not feature any pattern or rhythm?

 

Musical culture

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Write about a musical culture NOT covered in this course. Areas covered in this course include Indonesia, Japan, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, so you can choose any part of the world OTHER than these. Some areas to consider are: Native America, Polynesia, Australia, China, Korea, India, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Caribbean, Arctic Circle…. wherever, as long as it’s not covered in our course.

For this assignment, please use Nettl’s 3-part model, addressed in “Unit 1: Introduction” and Chapter 1 in our textbook. Focus on the Sounds, Behaviors and Ideas or Conceptions that govern the sounds and behaviors of the musical genre/activity you choose. It’s best if you stick to a specific genre or ensemble from whatever region you choose for this research paper. For example, if you wanted to write about music from Spain, don’t try to summarize all Spanish music (too broad, too big) but pick a specific genre or activity to focus on, such as Flamenco. Want to research Hawaiian music? Stick to hula or string bands. The point is, focus on one genre or activity from a region and give in-depth details, not just a broad, surface cultural overview.

Sound:

What sounds are you hearing? Talk about the instruments (and voices) of the musical genre/activity. What are they made of and what do they sound like? Are there any rules or restrictions surrounding these instruments, like who can play or when one can play? Can you comment on the texture and form of the music? Texture refers to layers of activity. How many musicians are present and how do they relate to one another? Form refers to how the music is organized and presented,. How long does a performance last and how are the melodies and rhythms arranged. Lastly, what does the music sound like to you, the outsider?

Behaviors:

What activities are associated with this musical genre/activity? What are people doing while this musical activity is happening? Is there a specific purpose or function surrounding this music, or is it just for enjoyment/entertainment? Does this musical activity have any behavioral restrictions regarding religion, age or gender? Is everyone participating communally or are the musicians/singers/dancers presenting music to an audience…. why? Lastly, can you draw any connections to musical behaviors in your life or culture?