Further Instructions
Just so I know that you know what you have to write in the next two weeks...
You have two writing assignments to complete:
- The take-home essay. This is part of the final exam and is worth twenty points. The question and further instructions are listed below
- The Intelligent Listening paper. This is a separate assignment and is worth one-third of your final grade. More below
Both assignments are important, but not of equal importance -- the Intelligent Listening paper counts as one-third of your final grade!
Instructions for the Take-Home Essay
- The question, "Describe the musical characteristics (stylistic idioms) of your favorite style of music, i.e. instrumentation, rhythm, mood, tempo, vocal style, lyric content, etc. Also, discuss why you like this style AND why others might not like it. (20 points)"
- Answer the question at home and submit your essay at the time of the exam
- Your answer must be typed
- Length -- one side of a page
- There will be a 10 point penalty if your essay is not submitted during the final exam
Instructions for the Intelligent Listening Paper
- Choose a record and do an Intelligent Listening analysis of the record. Use the Intelligent Listening Checklist as a worksheet, answer as many questions as you can, then report your observations in a paper
- The length of paper must be a minimum of 2 to 3 typed pages. Don't "pad" the paper with wide margins or large fonts or abnormal spacing
- Divide your paper into the same eleven sections found in the Checklist. This will make the paper more organized and easier to do a section at a time
- Spelling and grammar will be considered. Proof your paper carefully
- Sheet music should be included with your paper if you intend to do the sections on Melody and Harmony. If you include those sections, you will be given extra credit
- The last day to submit your paper without penalty is December 20
Suggestions
- Use correct musical terminology where applicable
- Be as descriptive as possible about the music and "sounds" heard in the record
- Be aware — Observe, Analyze and Describe
- Be creative — your ideas are important
- Try to enjoy doing the assignment. After all, it's music. (I know… that's easy for me to say.)
If you have any questions about any of the material, e-mail me [JM]