Archive for category History of Music
Make Teaching Music History Easy And Fun
Posted by admin in History of Music on July 12, 2011
Teaching Music History can be extremely trying. There is simply no escaping the stigmata that is associated with music history. Students assume that like any other course in history, this course will also be boring, dry and dull. However, if students wish to really learn how to play an instrument well, they need this knowledge. They need to make their minds understand the evolution of music through the ages. They will also need to know how various forms of music have developed due to innovations in technology.
Only if students understand these things, they will be able to understand the elements of music well. They will be able to connect with the need to create new sounds like the musicians of the past have. They will also be able to understand their instruments much better. Thus, they will be able to fare much better when they proceed on to other levels, and develop a good understanding of music as a whole.
While teaching history of music, don’t make your classes boring and dull. Include some discussions as well. You can ask your students to relate certain pieces of music in the lives of their parents and grandparents. You could play these pieces in the class, and ask the students to then identify the difference between these sounds with the ones that they usually hear these days.
When teaching this subject, you can use the help of various helpful aids like music worksheets, lesson plans, games, and so on which will inspire your students to study the subject. You can also include some interesting and thrilling activities. Your assignments must not be boring and tedious copying of notes from various books or sources on the internet. They must be practical, and must actually help students accomplish what you are trying to do by Teaching Music History. Read the rest of this entry »
The History Of Classical Music
Posted by admin in History of Music on July 12, 2011
When kids go to music class in school, they often do not understand why it is important for them to study the history of classical music. The truth is that, although it may sound vastly different, classical music is the basis on which all other popular music has been built. Without it, we would not have all of the many genres that we enjoy listening to today.
The roots of classical music can actually be found in early Christian music, which takes many of its influences from ancient Greek music. The Greeks created instruments such as the aulos and the lyre, which led to many of the instruments found in contemporary orchestras. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal of music from the early period of classical music still available.
The Renaissance period, which took place between 1400 and 1600, was marked by more instrumentation than the past. In fact, the music of this period is the first time that bass instruments were introduced into the compositions. This is also the time in which musical notation was developed, allowing generations to come the opportunity to enjoy the compositions that were written at the time.
The period of music beginning in 1905 and leading up to the present is known as modernism. This period is generally known for rejecting all of the conventions set up during the previous musical periods. During this time, artists developed new music theory and techniques for various instruments. Many of these developments have made their way out of classical music and into the mainstream tunes that people listen to every day.
Classical music may not be as appealing to the modern day ear as other genres, but it is important for everyone to know its history. Classical music set up all of the conventions and tools that were necessary to create music as we know it today. If someone listens carefully, they will be able to hear its influences in all of their favorite songs. Read the rest of this entry »