When I began teaching a college level general education music appreciation class in 2010 the required textbook for the course was a traditional survey of approximately 1400 years of Western European music history launched by a brief introduction of musical terms. As a classically trained choral conductor and singer I felt right at home with this publication, one that is widely used in hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide. Although some of my students also enjoyed this romp through centuries of music history, particularly those who had traditional musical training themselves, the course reinforced what the majority already thought they knew about "classical" music: classical music is boring and difficult. On the student evaluation at the end of the course one student remarked that he would want this textbook if he was stranded on a deserted island because it was so boring it would last forever!
This textbook is the summation of four years of teaching Making Sense of the Sound: The Art of Listening well to Great Music, putting the sources into context, and enabling both students and their instructors to "connect the dots." Each chapter represents my research and lectures on the eight topics that organize the course. It is my hope that students will engage with the textbook content outside of class time so there is more time in class to do what should be happening in a music appreciation class, listening to great music! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it and teaching Making Sense of the Sound: The Art of Listening Well to Great Music.
Dr. Cynthia Selph teaches a variety of music courses at Saint Leo University in central Florida. As the sole full-time music faculty member, she directs two choral ensembles, teaches private voice instruction, music theory, choral conducting, world music, and developed both music courses offered through University Explorations, Saint Leo's general education program. She earned a PhD in Music Education and MM in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance at the University of South Florida in Tampa after completing a BA in Sacred Music at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. As a church musician, private studio teacher, middle school choral director, and university music professor Dr. Selph has taught people from age 3 to 90 to appreciate and perform good music. This book represents years of experience in helping people to make sense of the sound.
Chapter 1 | What is Music?
Chapter 2 | Music is Synergy
Chapter 3 | Music is Design: It has a Blueprint
Chapter 4 | Music is Cultural
Chapter 5 | Music is Taste
Chapter 6 | Music is Power
Chapter 7 | Music Communication
Chapter 8 | Music is Weird!
Appendix 1: Writing a Concert Critique
Appendix 2: Writing Your Research Paper