Music Appreciation (MUS 101) Syllabus

IMPORTANT NOTE: While the information listed directly on this page is important, it is not the complete syllabus. To read the entire syllabus, scroll down to the "Course Syllabus Document" link and download the file.

Course Description:  In this course we will study Western music history from the Middle Ages up to the present time.  In addition to learning that history, we will train our ears to recognize the musical elements that make up the pieces we'll study as well as the music you listen to on a daily basis.  For a detailed description of course expectations, assignments, and grading scale please see the Course Syllabus Document (attached below).

Textbook Information:  This course will make use of open educational resources (OER) in place of published course materials.  For reading assignments you will be provided with downloadable documents or links to websites.  For listening assignments we will use Spotify.  You will need a free Spotify account – a paid account is not necessary.

Course Learning Objectives:  This course is designed to increase your understanding of music, with an emphasis on the music of the European "classical" tradition.  No prior musical experience is necessary to succeed in the course.

Student Learning Objectives:   By the end of the class you will be able to:

• Define important musical terms and use those terms accurately in your own vocabulary.

• Identify the musical characteristics represented by those terms in a piece of music.

• Identify specific pieces, periods, and genres based on musical characteristics observed.

• Demonstrate understanding of the historical developments in Western music.
  
  

Meet Your Instructor:  Hello everyone! One of your first assignments in the class will be to tell us a little about yourself on our first discussion board. I'll get the ball rolling by telling you all about myself right here. 

Ryan Luévano is a professional music director, composer, musicologist and music educator. Mr.Luévano is an experienced music director and conductor for musical theater, opera, film and concert music. He studied conducting with Dr. Johannes Müller-Stosch (conductor of Holland Symphony Orchestra) and Jorge Mester (conductor of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra and formerly the Pasadena Symphony, 1984–2010). Ryan received his Master’s degree in musicology from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, he works as a professor of music at Woodbury University and Santa Ana College. When he’s not making music, he pens as a theater critic for Tin Pan L.A. where you can read all about the LA theater scene

MUS 101 WELCOME VIDEO 

Course Syllabus Document:  Syllabus Music 101 8 Weeks.pdf