The final exam has been graded - you can pop into WebCT to check your score.
Final Grades won't be posted for a few days - there's a lot of data to mes with, and I have a recording session and a performance this Friday.
THANK YOU to everyone for your patience - we still don't know where the scheduling mixup occurred, but I'm thankful you guys were willing and able to go with the flow!
LISTENING <-- Click if you want to hear it again.
1. Check your audio - obviously, one of the class piece recordings - the aleatoric one. CLICK HERE if you'd like to listen to ALL the things we recorded.
2. One - "Hotter Than That", Louis Armstrong. Jazz!
3. Two - Weelkes, "As Vesta Was Descending". NOT "Vespa" - they didn't have Italian-made scooters back then! Renaissance, word painting, polyphonic, a cappella, a madrigal.
4. Three - Bartok Concerto for Orcehstra (II. Game of Pairs), towards the end. 20th Century, some dissonance. This is actually "NeoClassical".
5. Four - I had mistyped something in the code, which is why it wasn't working - everyone got the 10 points as a patience/Christmas bonus. You can hear it now - [it's on your CDs as well].
6. Five - the class minimalism piece - so 21st c., minimalistic, not much variation, noise as a sound source.
I'll post again when the grades are put into the system. Next Wednesday is the Deadline, so they'll definitely be done before then!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
OOPS.....the class recordings!
Just discovered the class recordings didn't post correctly. That has been repaired, and you can now download our recordings and bestow them on posterity or to annoy the rodents in the neighborhood.
CLICK HERE and select the track to download!
CLICK HERE and select the track to download!
Who says Classical is boring?
Something to make you smile - the Calgary Chorus took the music to "O Fortuna" [you'll recognize it when you here it] and asked their audience to tweet in their suggestions for keeping warm up there.
The original article is at
http://gizmodo.com/5865380/tweeted-tips-for-staying-warm-as-sung-by-the-calgary-philharmonic-orchestra
The original article is at
http://gizmodo.com/5865380/tweeted-tips-for-staying-warm-as-sung-by-the-calgary-philharmonic-orchestra
Thursday, December 01, 2011
The Class Recordings are Ready [finally!]
http://www.last.fm/music/Tom+Rule/Music+Appreciation+Experiments
You can listen to them online, or download them. They are 320 bitrate MP3s, so can be played on any mp3 player/computer, etc.
Aleatoric 2 probably sounds the best.
So, I have to ask: IS THIS MUSIC?
[and was it fun to create?]
You can listen to them online, or download them. They are 320 bitrate MP3s, so can be played on any mp3 player/computer, etc.
Aleatoric 2 probably sounds the best.
So, I have to ask: IS THIS MUSIC?
[and was it fun to create?]
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Miscellany for a Tuesday
1. ABSOLUTE deadline for concert reports to be turned in is the last class meeting - next Monday Dec. 5! Check music.mercer.edu for a calendar of events over there - GCSU also has one.
2. 23 foot high Theremin appears in Melbourne and freaks people out. - I would so like to see this!
3. Musician Uses Looping Pedal to Play with Time - Comes back to the "Is This Music?" question!
2. 23 foot high Theremin appears in Melbourne and freaks people out. - I would so like to see this!
3. Musician Uses Looping Pedal to Play with Time - Comes back to the "Is This Music?" question!
Wikipedia article - Website, with samples [pun intended!]
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Comments from the Romantic / 20th Century Test
Comments from the Romantic / 20th Century Test. These are copy/pasted, complete with typos.
What 20th century piece surprised you the most? Why? [either pleasantly OR unpleasantly surprised!]
What surprised ME about the comments was the number of times Rite of Spring was mentioned as a surprise, even after all of these years!
What 20th century piece surprised you the most? Why? [either pleasantly OR unpleasantly surprised!]
- Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" surprised me the most. I think the people that started a riot over it over reacted, but I still thought the music was bizarre, yet captivating with the odd, powerful sounds and chords.
- Poeme Electronique was extremely "interesting". It had a lot of new and crazy stuff going on that sounds weird even now.
- idk
- The percussion ones. I have only been to one percussion concert, and I must say that it was one of the most interesting performances I had ever seen before. The tones are so dark, which I really enjoy. I like how in the 20th century, there is use of harmonies and vocals as beats, instruments to contrast the melodies. I like how they developed a new sense of structure with the electronic beats. But what truly intrigued me the most was the avant-garde section, because I never expected you to cover that the way you did.
- Poeme Electronique suprised me the most because it was nothing but random sounds.
- I wasn't suprised by it.
- Rite of Spring. I just can't get over how weird all of it is. Both of the dances we watched in class to go along with it were somewhat jolting and disconcerting. It's just strange...
- The one with the random noises # 17 on the listening section because it seems like random sounds with no theme. {Varese Poeme Electronique]
- The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky surprised me the most.It was the most memorable of the ones I've heard. It was really different from the classical music we listened to before this.The drums and the beat gave it the power and is why this piece was primitivism and it produced a different emotion from me than the other songs.It pulled my concentration and made me focus and really think about what's coming next.I enjoyed the difference and contrast of these two eras compared to classical and baroque eras.
- Armstrong impressed me the most. I really enjoy jazz and blues. All the other works give our century a terrible name.
- simple variations. i really like the piece because it has a nice moving melody and it will keep you entertained through the whole piece.
- Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" surprised me the most because it was such a drastic change from the Romantic Era. It was harsh, primal, with a driving beat that was so dramatically different than what his audience was used to and it was the beginning of a new era.
- My favorite piece was probably Erlking. It surprised me on how emotional it was. The steady rhythm of the horse's hoof beats really MADE the song. Once I read the translation of the words on the listening guide, it just made the song even creepier. It really surprised me when I found out that one man performed all of it: the father, the son, Erlking, and death. The way the man portrayed the son was brilliant!
- Ahhh!!! This whole section was brutal. What surprised me was how difficult this section turned out to be!!
- The peice that surprised me the most is Symphonie Fastastique, because it was so long and diverse
- The piece "Shard" surprised me the most. I can tell that the music is organized, but I don't see how there is any substance to what he's composed. Even though it is composed, it still sounds like somebody just messing around on a guitar. Unpleasantly surprised. Difficult to appreciate.
- Cance music. Some was good but I still dont think it should be classified as music
- the Afo-American syphony because it was un comman for blacks to write and proform symphonies and the fact tat he put a banjo in his syphony.
- The Afro-American Symphony pleasantly suprised me the most because of their unusual use of a banjo in an orchestra piece.
- Stravinsky's the Rite of Spring surprised me the most because of the harsh tones and discord throughout the piece. Although it is clear the composer took time with the piece, I did NOT enjoy it. It was very difficult to listen to or enjoy; it is not a surprise that the piece caused a riot. I believe the piece should have been named the "Riot" of Spring.
What surprised ME about the comments was the number of times Rite of Spring was mentioned as a surprise, even after all of these years!
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Saturday, November 05, 2011
The last nudge about concert reports.....
Every Friday in the Macon Telegraph - available in the Library - is a section that lists upcoming concerts for the next 10 days. For example, the Macon Symphony is performing as I type this.
On Sunday, 11/13, there's a free Flute & Piano concert featuring Eugenia Zuckerman at Vineville Methodist @ 4pm.
The Metropolitan opera (New York) has several broadcasts in HD that you can see either at the Douglass Theatre in Macon, or at the Galleria Mall Cinema in Warner Robins. There's a list at metopera.org/hdlive. These WILL count for concerts.
There are also SEVERAL concerts coming up at Mercer - see http://www2.mercer.edu/Music/calendar.htm for the entire list.
Dec 1 - Thursday, The Mercer Percussion Ensemble will be performing with Andy Harnsberger. If you have never been to a percussion ensemble concert, you really should go. Marcus Reddick, the director, is an incredible percussionist and teacher - we chatted the other day about what they will be playing, and it sounds VERY interesting.
It is free, and it will count as long as the concert report is turned in NO LATER THAN the final exam.
-----
Remember that the concert reports count for 10% of the final average - that's an entire letter grade. Write a couple of pages about it - write well - and take a look at the syllabus and at the blog entry on concert reports for some ideas.
On Sunday, 11/13, there's a free Flute & Piano concert featuring Eugenia Zuckerman at Vineville Methodist @ 4pm.
The Metropolitan opera (New York) has several broadcasts in HD that you can see either at the Douglass Theatre in Macon, or at the Galleria Mall Cinema in Warner Robins. There's a list at metopera.org/hdlive. These WILL count for concerts.
There are also SEVERAL concerts coming up at Mercer - see http://www2.mercer.edu/Music/calendar.htm for the entire list.
Remember that ALL concert reports are due
at the last class meeting.
I will NOT accept any reports late - EXCEPT:
Dec 1 - Thursday, The Mercer Percussion Ensemble will be performing with Andy Harnsberger. If you have never been to a percussion ensemble concert, you really should go. Marcus Reddick, the director, is an incredible percussionist and teacher - we chatted the other day about what they will be playing, and it sounds VERY interesting.
It is free, and it will count as long as the concert report is turned in NO LATER THAN the final exam.
-----
Remember that the concert reports count for 10% of the final average - that's an entire letter grade. Write a couple of pages about it - write well - and take a look at the syllabus and at the blog entry on concert reports for some ideas.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Notes from 10/24/11 class
1)
I just updated the WebCT/Vista gradebook with all of the grades from the presentations so far.
We have 5 weeks of the semester left. I have only seen TWO concert reports! They are due during our last class meeting. Don't let this slip up on you!
2)
The Macon State Chamber Singers will be performing oncampus twice, downstairs in the rehearsal hall:
Monday November 14 at 7:30 pm
Tuesday November 15 at 12:30 pm
Yup - 'tis FREE!
3)
Here are the Symphonie Fantastique Videos we started today:
4th Movement | 5th Movement
4th Movement
5th Movement
I just updated the WebCT/Vista gradebook with all of the grades from the presentations so far.
We have 5 weeks of the semester left. I have only seen TWO concert reports! They are due during our last class meeting. Don't let this slip up on you!
2)
The Macon State Chamber Singers will be performing oncampus twice, downstairs in the rehearsal hall:
Monday November 14 at 7:30 pm
Tuesday November 15 at 12:30 pm
Yup - 'tis FREE!
3)
Here are the Symphonie Fantastique Videos we started today:
4th Movement | 5th Movement
4th Movement
5th Movement
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Free Concert THIS WEEK
[YES, IT COUNTS - but since it's so short I'll expect better writing!]
BRING THE KIDS to an adorable opera for child audiences (Grades K-5) that the whole family will enjoy! Next week Mercer University Opera teams up with Stone Academy after-school program to present A Muskrat Lullaby. Based on the story book “Mama Don’t Allow“, this great little show is only 25 minutes long and we are performing it at 6:00 p.m. for your convenience: after work and before dinner.
It’s FREE, so bring the grandkids and neighbor’s kids, too! See how Miles the Muskrat and his singing quartet of swamp animals escape the clutches of Boss Alligator and the Alligator Gang!!
Audience participation and sing-along! Meet the cast after the show!
Call (478) 301-5751 for more information.
BRING THE KIDS to an adorable opera for child audiences (Grades K-5) that the whole family will enjoy! Next week Mercer University Opera teams up with Stone Academy after-school program to present A Muskrat Lullaby. Based on the story book “Mama Don’t Allow“, this great little show is only 25 minutes long and we are performing it at 6:00 p.m. for your convenience: after work and before dinner.
It’s FREE, so bring the grandkids and neighbor’s kids, too! See how Miles the Muskrat and his singing quartet of swamp animals escape the clutches of Boss Alligator and the Alligator Gang!!
Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 18-19
at the DOUGLASS THEATRE, 6 pm
Thursday-Friday, Oct. 20-21
at MERCER’S MUSIC BUILDING, 6 pm
FREE!
Call (478) 301-5751 for more information.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Test 2 comments
What surprised you most about Baroque music? About Classical?
I was surprised that I enjoyed the Baroque music better then the Classical music.
What surprised me most was the differences between the two. I thought they sound the same before but now I see clear consise differences.
My favorite thing about Baroque music is the ambling melodies. They're fun to play on piano. My favorite thing about Classical is that it is more emotional than Baroque, which is why I'm excited to move into the Romantic period.
I like classical better because its not as crazy.
A few pieces that I always thought were "classical music" were actually from the Baroque period.
the baroque music is a little weird to me. i'd much rather listen to childrens music. and the classical music was the best to me because it kept you moving throughout the piece.
Before the class, I could not tell the difference. They were just names to me and had no meanings. I was surprised that the Baroque era had as much "drive" as it did. I didn't realize that the Classical era still used vocals in music.
A lot of different things surprised me. Mostly about Bach's dad.
I find it hard to tell a distinction between pieces. I find it hard to tell a distinction between classical composers also. I feel there is only so much a composer could have really done to stand outside the box. However; each period offered their own uniqueness. Taking the roots of the earlier period.
What suprise me about Classical is that the only two composures i know are both considered under the Classical section and that both Mozart and Beethoven didnt do as much as Haydn but still are the two names tht comes up the most. The Baroque its hard to say because before this class I didnt know anything about it but I did learn alot from the 1600s when it came to this time period in music
The classical era surprised me in that it was essentially the composers were comparable to the pop artists of today.
Baroque music goes on and on and classical music survived for a long period of time
I was definitely unaware that Opera began during this time period. I grew an appreciation and interest for opera while learning this section. What suprised me most about classical music was after listerning to music from the baroque period, it is amazing to me how simple it was compared to that. It made me realize that this is where folk music began.
It surprised me that a boroque peice could last so long and be so fast paced while the musician remembers all of it and doesnt miss a note. It surprised me that the classical composers were so amazing at experimenting with dynamics. I also like it when a theme returns many times in different fragments and keys.
what the musican had to go through in oder to play music
I did not know that the harpsicord was invinted before the piano. I also didnt know that people and society in Europe were as involved and dedicated to music, nor that it was considered educated to be able to play music.
The Baroque music is somewhat harsh, very loud and constantly moving uses Basso Continuo. Classical is much more lyrical uses a full orchestra no longer uses a Basso Continuo or the Harpsichord.
To me, Baroque music is difficult to identify. I never realized how easy it is to get Classical music stuck in your head until I sat and really analyzed it.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:
I was surprised that I enjoyed the Baroque music better then the Classical music.
What surprised me most was the differences between the two. I thought they sound the same before but now I see clear consise differences.
My favorite thing about Baroque music is the ambling melodies. They're fun to play on piano. My favorite thing about Classical is that it is more emotional than Baroque, which is why I'm excited to move into the Romantic period.
I like classical better because its not as crazy.
A few pieces that I always thought were "classical music" were actually from the Baroque period.
the baroque music is a little weird to me. i'd much rather listen to childrens music. and the classical music was the best to me because it kept you moving throughout the piece.
Before the class, I could not tell the difference. They were just names to me and had no meanings. I was surprised that the Baroque era had as much "drive" as it did. I didn't realize that the Classical era still used vocals in music.
A lot of different things surprised me. Mostly about Bach's dad.
I find it hard to tell a distinction between pieces. I find it hard to tell a distinction between classical composers also. I feel there is only so much a composer could have really done to stand outside the box. However; each period offered their own uniqueness. Taking the roots of the earlier period.
What suprise me about Classical is that the only two composures i know are both considered under the Classical section and that both Mozart and Beethoven didnt do as much as Haydn but still are the two names tht comes up the most. The Baroque its hard to say because before this class I didnt know anything about it but I did learn alot from the 1600s when it came to this time period in music
The classical era surprised me in that it was essentially the composers were comparable to the pop artists of today.
Baroque music goes on and on and classical music survived for a long period of time
I was definitely unaware that Opera began during this time period. I grew an appreciation and interest for opera while learning this section. What suprised me most about classical music was after listerning to music from the baroque period, it is amazing to me how simple it was compared to that. It made me realize that this is where folk music began.
It surprised me that a boroque peice could last so long and be so fast paced while the musician remembers all of it and doesnt miss a note. It surprised me that the classical composers were so amazing at experimenting with dynamics. I also like it when a theme returns many times in different fragments and keys.
what the musican had to go through in oder to play music
I did not know that the harpsicord was invinted before the piano. I also didnt know that people and society in Europe were as involved and dedicated to music, nor that it was considered educated to be able to play music.
The Baroque music is somewhat harsh, very loud and constantly moving uses Basso Continuo. Classical is much more lyrical uses a full orchestra no longer uses a Basso Continuo or the Harpsichord.
To me, Baroque music is difficult to identify. I never realized how easy it is to get Classical music stuck in your head until I sat and really analyzed it.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:
The fact that I could actually pay attention to it and the fact that I didn't hate it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Oct 23rd concert in WR
Sunday Oct 23rd @ 3pm
205 North Davis Drive
Warner Robins
Admission $10
Students FREE
205 North Davis Drive
Warner Robins
Admission $10
Students FREE
Free Upcoming Concerts @ Mercer (WITH MSC STUDENT ID)
Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. - Fickling Hall
Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin Julie Albers, cello Elizabeth Pridgen, piano
Franck - Piano Quintet in F minor
Shostakovich - Trio No. 2 in E minor
Monday, October 24 - 3:00 p.m. - Fickling Hall
William McGraw, baritone, Master Class
Mr. McGraw is one of the foremost performing vocal pedagogues in the United States.
Note from the booking agency:
"We hope your students are able to attend. They only need to show their ID for a ticket or admission. I would encourage them to get an advance ticket for the Oct. 18 concert."
Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin Julie Albers, cello Elizabeth Pridgen, piano
Franck - Piano Quintet in F minor
Shostakovich - Trio No. 2 in E minor
Monday, October 24 - 3:00 p.m. - Fickling Hall
William McGraw, baritone, Master Class
Mr. McGraw is one of the foremost performing vocal pedagogues in the United States.
Note from the booking agency:
"We hope your students are able to attend. They only need to show their ID for a ticket or admission. I would encourage them to get an advance ticket for the Oct. 18 concert."
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Upcoming Concerts that count
NOT an exhaustive list - just a couple that class members have let me know about
Tuesday, September 20 at 9:00pm
Sons of Daughters - FB Event Page - Website
Free Jazz group from Wisconsin
Tuesday Sept 27 @ Mercer
Mercer Ensemble Series
7:30
Tuesday, September 20 at 9:00pm
Sons of Daughters - FB Event Page - Website
Free Jazz group from Wisconsin
the Golden Bough371 Cotton Ave
Macon, GA
FREE
Tuesday Sept 27 @ Mercer
Mercer Ensemble Series
7:30
@ the McCorkle Music Building
FREE
Presentation - quick reminder
Don't forget that the presentation schedule is listed on the blog- make sure you don't miss your date! We have ZERO flexibility in the schedule now.
FINAL EXAM DATE:
Wed 12/7 1-3 pm in the ARC as usual.
FINAL EXAM DATE:
Wed 12/7 1-3 pm in the ARC as usual.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Test 1 is graded........
....so you can pop over into WebCT/Vista and see what your score is.
WARNING: The number you see is NOT a percentage - it's your score out of 83 points possible.
So if your score is a 74, that's actually an 89.15%. Yes, I round to the nearest integer.
There is a spreadsheet you can download from the WebCT/Vista section that you can use to track your progress in the class. Take advantage of it!
WARNING: The number you see is NOT a percentage - it's your score out of 83 points possible.
So if your score is a 74, that's actually an 89.15%. Yes, I round to the nearest integer.
There is a spreadsheet you can download from the WebCT/Vista section that you can use to track your progress in the class. Take advantage of it!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Test notes & Blog info
I just tweaked the study posts for Elements, Medieval, and Renaissance. You might want to look at them.
I also updated some of the links on the right sidebar - most notably the Kamien Connect link now points to the Fall 2011 section (instead of the one from last Spring).
Study well!
Don't forget that the test will be in the LIBRARY COMPUTER LAB. Bring headphones/earbuds if you've got some you prefer. Make sure you have an 1/8" jack [i.e. iPod/Zune/MP3 player type].
We do have a good number of headphones available, but they are "merely OK" quality-wise.
I also updated some of the links on the right sidebar - most notably the Kamien Connect link now points to the Fall 2011 section (instead of the one from last Spring).
Study well!
Don't forget that the test will be in the LIBRARY COMPUTER LAB. Bring headphones/earbuds if you've got some you prefer. Make sure you have an 1/8" jack [i.e. iPod/Zune/MP3 player type].
We do have a good number of headphones available, but they are "merely OK" quality-wise.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Advice for MusApp
I had someone ask what to do because they are feeling lost. Here is my advice to them:
- Make sure you're signed up on the blog - http://maconstate.blogspot.com - add your email address on the signup sheet.
- Dive into WebCT/Vista for the class. The powerpoints I use in class are posted there (at the moment, they are last year's versions, but they will be about 95% identical to what I'm using this year).
- Listen to the tracks on the CDs WHILE READING THE LISTENING GUIDES.
- Read AHEAD of what I'm going to cover in class. Check the syllabus for the schedule - I stay decently close to it. There's is a pdf copy on WebCT/Visa, and a web-page-version on the blog.
- Ask questions - either via email or in class - when something doesn't make sense!
- DON'T PANIC!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Kamien Connect info
Kamien Connect is a website where you can
- Listen to the CD audio over the 'net
- read the textbook (depending on which "type" of access code you have)
- take some quizzes etc just to test yourself.
The advantage of listening to the music through the website is that the listening guides are dynamic - you don't have to guess if you are looking at the right line, because the text is animated to show you exactly where you are in the piece.
It's fairly handy.
SO WHERE IS THIS THING?
Here's the URL for the Fall 2011 class:
IF YOU HAVE YOUR CODE ALREADY:
Setup an account with your access code - click the "register now" button.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE:
You can purchase it online, or get one from the bookstore. I do not know which is cheaper. BEWARE, though - there are two types of codes - one gives you access to the textbook, the other does NOT.
You can decide if online textbook access is important to you - I just wanted you to know before plunking down the cash.
IS THIS MANDATORY FOR THIS CLASS?
No, but it'd be very handy! The animated listening guides alone are worth the price of admission if you are serious about getting an A and developing your listening skills.
Monday, August 08, 2011
START FALL 2011
If you'd like to quit receiving these in your inbox, click the "unsubscribe" link that's supposed to be below.
You're welcome to stay on, though!
You're welcome to stay on, though!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Music "in the Cloud" - in the 1800s??????
Apple, Amazon, and others have all announced services that will allow you to stash your music somewhere "out there" on the 'net, and listen to it wherever you have 'net access.
This is not a new thing!
What 'cloud-based music' looked like in 1892
The Telharmonium (also known as the Dynamophone) was an early electronic musical instrument, developed by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897.[1][2] The electrical signal from the Telharmonium was transmitted over wires; it was heard on the receiving end by means of 'horn' speakers.[3]
"There is nothing new under the sun" - Solomon
Monday, May 02, 2011
A final word, A quick note, and some links
The quick note:
Unless you REALLY enjoy my announcements and assorted sundries posted to this list, you should go ahead and UNSUBSCRIBE from this. There should be a link, down there at the bottom of the message, for you to do so!
This is the last posting for the semester, so you won't miss anything relevant to THIS class.
I'm hoping to get the final graded Tuesday AM, so you should be able to plug in ALL of your grades into the spreadsheet and see what your grade is by Tuesday night.
The Final Word:
This has been an enjoyable semester - partly because you [there's that generic use of the word "you] weren't afraid to ask questions, wonder aloud, and guess!
Hopefully you know more than you did back in January - remember the overall goal of the class was for you to get a historical overview and to learn how to REALLY LISTEN.
So continue exploring music - there is SO MUCH STUFF out there that is easily available. Try getting out of your little audio comfort zone more often than every eon!
Some Links
Below are some links to Free Flight, who performed Listening #5 [Mo's Art], and Dave Brubeck's Unsquare Dance, which was listening #2, as well as the Albrechtsberger Jaw Harp Concerto - in case you are interested in picking up a copy for yourself!
....and don't forget that "our" performances are available for free download! [for a limited time, of course...]
Unless you REALLY enjoy my announcements and assorted sundries posted to this list, you should go ahead and UNSUBSCRIBE from this. There should be a link, down there at the bottom of the message, for you to do so!
This is the last posting for the semester, so you won't miss anything relevant to THIS class.
I'm hoping to get the final graded Tuesday AM, so you should be able to plug in ALL of your grades into the spreadsheet and see what your grade is by Tuesday night.
The Final Word:
This has been an enjoyable semester - partly because you [there's that generic use of the word "you] weren't afraid to ask questions, wonder aloud, and guess!
Hopefully you know more than you did back in January - remember the overall goal of the class was for you to get a historical overview and to learn how to REALLY LISTEN.
So continue exploring music - there is SO MUCH STUFF out there that is easily available. Try getting out of your little audio comfort zone more often than every eon!
.....but stay from the "smooth" stuff!
Some Links
Below are some links to Free Flight, who performed Listening #5 [Mo's Art], and Dave Brubeck's Unsquare Dance, which was listening #2, as well as the Albrechtsberger Jaw Harp Concerto - in case you are interested in picking up a copy for yourself!
....and don't forget that "our" performances are available for free download! [for a limited time, of course...]
Hope your summer is beyond excellent!
Friday, April 29, 2011
(1) It's posted! (2) FInal Exam note
1) The class recordings are FINALLY posted! You can listen online AND download them [for a limited time].
I personally think they are best when played LOUD. . . . . .outside.
2) Just so you know - the final will be Monday 5/2 from 1-3 pm over in the ARC lab. I had a few people who weren't sure!
I personally think they are best when played LOUD. . . . . .outside.
2) Just so you know - the final will be Monday 5/2 from 1-3 pm over in the ARC lab. I had a few people who weren't sure!
Apparently I am one of the few who follow the exam schedule.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Something to play while studying?
Otamata - a webpage that creates sound that never repeats (well, PRACTICALLY never!). It is an interesting take on how to create music, in this case by starting little blocks moving back and forth inside a square.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Monday, April 18, 2011
4/18/11 class videos
Vids shown in class today - the top one is the only one that really applies in term of academic content. The other two spring from our discussion of rap vs hiphop.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Test Graded - and your comments
The test grades are up on Vista. When calculating your percentage, don't use 70 as the points possible - use 66. (yes, it's a curve.)
Below are your comments - interesting stuff!
What has surprised you most about 20th C music?
How good some of the music was, despite the weirdness.
I can not listen to this music at all. It is not easy on the ears at all. I wish I could go back and change it all. It amazed me that they took things from the past periods.
What surprised me most about 20th century music was how early electronics were used in composing and producing new sounds. While most of these sounded like complete crap, they found their way into popular music and other forms of entertainment such as cartoons, as well as forming a path for sound designers in general.
The fact that electronic music had been used in the early 20th century amazed me. I thought all of it came in during the 80's or something, Poeme Electronique sounded like new Radiohead stuff!
How there were these extremes. Either you deviated from the old ideas or you went with the old ideas and composed based on those ideas.
Surprised? Probably the range of sounds, even NOISES, that can be cobbled together and called music. I've found that the answer to the question "Is it music?" is always "It COULD be!"
It has surprized me more by now knowing that the music made from today has already been done. Its amazing how the old music is still sampled and writing the same way.
It is different than I was expecting it to be. Other than that nothing really surprised me.
Was very surprised at how diverse the music was. Some of the pieces were just absolutely horrid, but some were actually enjoyable to listen to.
Nothing really surpirsed me. I figured 20th century music would sound completely different from anything else we've covered since the music of today sounds completely different from anything we've covered. Well, nevermind, one thing that did surprise was people rioted over the new type of music. I guess its shocking to me because "shocking" music is more common today than it ever was.
Before we started studying twentieth century music, I thought it would be more like today's music. After we started studying the twentieth century, I learned that many of the pieces sounded like the other eras we have already studied. It is very hard to identify the pieces because they sound so much like the other ones. I was very suprised by this. I knew that more percussion and electonics would be used, but I thought it would have a completely new sound. I was suprised that the twentieth century wasn't very new and interesting. The Romantic era was more interesting than the twentieth century and I thought it would be the opposite.
It's near inability to be classified by certain characteristics. It has so many styles. One person can't hear something and think "20th Century" like one can in the previous eras.
The vastness of the realms of ideas in which it encompasses. Anything goes. Its like an explosion of creative musical thought. Pretty awesome in my opinion.
I throughly enjoyed the exploration of noise and the abandoment of "civilized" music to prove the point that anything can be music
How early the electronic music was introduced.
It sounds just like the music of the old days just with better and more instruments.
how it came about, the history.
The variety of the music.
How ridiculous it can be. I love the Romantic music, but 20th century is just plain noise. Yes, yes, to shock the audience. To be honest with you, that has been said about every era: "This is different, a reaction to the era before." Everything is to shock or please an audience.
The atonality. Random notes and singing doesn't seem to mix.
Below are your comments - interesting stuff!
What has surprised you most about 20th C music?
How good some of the music was, despite the weirdness.
I can not listen to this music at all. It is not easy on the ears at all. I wish I could go back and change it all. It amazed me that they took things from the past periods.
What surprised me most about 20th century music was how early electronics were used in composing and producing new sounds. While most of these sounded like complete crap, they found their way into popular music and other forms of entertainment such as cartoons, as well as forming a path for sound designers in general.
The fact that electronic music had been used in the early 20th century amazed me. I thought all of it came in during the 80's or something, Poeme Electronique sounded like new Radiohead stuff!
How there were these extremes. Either you deviated from the old ideas or you went with the old ideas and composed based on those ideas.
Surprised? Probably the range of sounds, even NOISES, that can be cobbled together and called music. I've found that the answer to the question "Is it music?" is always "It COULD be!"
It has surprized me more by now knowing that the music made from today has already been done. Its amazing how the old music is still sampled and writing the same way.
It is different than I was expecting it to be. Other than that nothing really surprised me.
Was very surprised at how diverse the music was. Some of the pieces were just absolutely horrid, but some were actually enjoyable to listen to.
Nothing really surpirsed me. I figured 20th century music would sound completely different from anything else we've covered since the music of today sounds completely different from anything we've covered. Well, nevermind, one thing that did surprise was people rioted over the new type of music. I guess its shocking to me because "shocking" music is more common today than it ever was.
Before we started studying twentieth century music, I thought it would be more like today's music. After we started studying the twentieth century, I learned that many of the pieces sounded like the other eras we have already studied. It is very hard to identify the pieces because they sound so much like the other ones. I was very suprised by this. I knew that more percussion and electonics would be used, but I thought it would have a completely new sound. I was suprised that the twentieth century wasn't very new and interesting. The Romantic era was more interesting than the twentieth century and I thought it would be the opposite.
It's near inability to be classified by certain characteristics. It has so many styles. One person can't hear something and think "20th Century" like one can in the previous eras.
The vastness of the realms of ideas in which it encompasses. Anything goes. Its like an explosion of creative musical thought. Pretty awesome in my opinion.
I throughly enjoyed the exploration of noise and the abandoment of "civilized" music to prove the point that anything can be music
How early the electronic music was introduced.
It sounds just like the music of the old days just with better and more instruments.
how it came about, the history.
The variety of the music.
How ridiculous it can be. I love the Romantic music, but 20th century is just plain noise. Yes, yes, to shock the audience. To be honest with you, that has been said about every era: "This is different, a reaction to the era before." Everything is to shock or please an audience.
The atonality. Random notes and singing doesn't seem to mix.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Youtube Choir?
Recording Instructions
Introduction to the virtual choir
Last year, renowned composer Eric Whitacre went viral with his virtual choir. This time around he has increased the stakes and organized a virtual choir with over 2,000 members. In this TED talk, Whitacre talks about the challenges of making music powered by YouTube and reveals his latest effort titled "Sleep."
Composer Organizes 2000 member virtual choir
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
To reiterate.......
Next week, the amazing Vientos del Pueblo (vientosdelpueblo.com) joins the MSC Chamber Singers for a program featuring music of South America, including the Argentinean classic “Misa Criolla.” Vientos del Pueblo will be bringing charangos, zampoñas, quenas, a cajon, rainstick, bomba, a donkey’s jaw and some toenail looking things plus guitars and a violin. We will be joined by Dr. Leroy Bynum, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Albany State University. This is a program you do not want to miss:
Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
682 Mulberry Street
Downtown Macon
We are expecting a huge crowd, so don’t come late!
Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
682 Mulberry Street
Downtown Macon
We are expecting a huge crowd, so don’t come late!
Monday, April 04, 2011
Concert Reports note, and a couple of random news tidbits.......
1) Remember that concert reports are due in by the 2nd class after the concert took place. So if the concert was on Friday, then you need to turn in the report by the Wednesday's class.
Everything is due by the last day of class, 11:59 pm (the odd time is in case you'd like to turn it in electronically).
2) I've mentioned that Youtube is full of copyright violations, and there is a $1 Billion lawsuit between Google and Viacom over this issue. It is now in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals - and I think it will land in the Supreme Court eventually. HERE is an article with the latest update.
3) So now you can make music with....your SNEAKERS! Adidas has developed a sneaker with a wireless setup that transforms tap dance movements into music. FULL ARTICLE HERE.
Everything is due by the last day of class, 11:59 pm (the odd time is in case you'd like to turn it in electronically).
2) I've mentioned that Youtube is full of copyright violations, and there is a $1 Billion lawsuit between Google and Viacom over this issue. It is now in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals - and I think it will land in the Supreme Court eventually. HERE is an article with the latest update.
3) So now you can make music with....your SNEAKERS! Adidas has developed a sneaker with a wireless setup that transforms tap dance movements into music. FULL ARTICLE HERE.
2 upcoming concerts
1) Friday night April 15 @ 7:30 pm @ First Presbyterian Church on mulberry Street (Downtown Macon, across the street from the Grand Opera House).
The Macon State Chamber Singers with Vientos Del Pueblo. Youtube Vid
The Singers will do a set, then the Band will do a set, followed by a performance of a Latin America Mass.
Free!
2) Tuesday April 19 at 1:00 pm in the Rehearsal Hall (downstairs from the Music App classroom).
The Macon State Chamber Singers, plus music students on piano, voice, and guitar, will perform a variety of works.
Free! DO NOT COME IN LATE
The Macon State Chamber Singers with Vientos Del Pueblo. Youtube Vid
The Singers will do a set, then the Band will do a set, followed by a performance of a Latin America Mass.
Free!
2) Tuesday April 19 at 1:00 pm in the Rehearsal Hall (downstairs from the Music App classroom).
The Macon State Chamber Singers, plus music students on piano, voice, and guitar, will perform a variety of works.
Free! DO NOT COME IN LATE
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Quick notes: Curves, Numbers, and Concerts
1) Curves
Vista will tell you that the test was worth 89 points. Instead, I'm going to count it as worth 85 points.
2) Numbers
Remember that there is an Excel spreadsheet that you can download and plug in your grades - and then play what if to see where you stand for your average. The spreadsheet assumes a C for all of the grades (you have to start somewhere!) - but you can change that as needed.
I suggest you take advantage of it - that will avoid unpleasant surprises later!
Cherry Blossom is next week - TONS of free concerts to go to that will count. Again, if you have a question, ASK!
Vista will tell you that the test was worth 89 points. Instead, I'm going to count it as worth 85 points.
2) Numbers
Remember that there is an Excel spreadsheet that you can download and plug in your grades - and then play what if to see where you stand for your average. The spreadsheet assumes a C for all of the grades (you have to start somewhere!) - but you can change that as needed.
I suggest you take advantage of it - that will avoid unpleasant surprises later!
3) Concerts
We are over the halfway point, and I have received a relative few concert reports. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST WEEK when everyone is brain-damaged from a long semester and you have way too much work to get done in not enough time.Cherry Blossom is next week - TONS of free concerts to go to that will count. Again, if you have a question, ASK!
Friday, March 04, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Presentation schedule updated
Apparently I hadn't completed typing in the schedule, so the last few weeks were missing!
It's been finished now - if you aren't on it, PLEASE let me know quickly!
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/p/present-sked.html
It's been finished now - if you aren't on it, PLEASE let me know quickly!
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/p/present-sked.html
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Free concert Friday - Mercer Jazz
Exciting, Exhilarating, and Free
Combo - Music of the Modern Masters. (J.Redman,C.Corea,J.Coltrane)
Combo - Music of the Modern Masters. (J.Redman,C.Corea,J.Coltrane)
Big Band Ensemble - Diverse Sounds from (Metheny to Duke)
Friday Feb 25 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Fickling Hall in Townsend School of Music at Mercer University
Friday Feb 25 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Fickling Hall in Townsend School of Music at Mercer University
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Concerts this week @ Mercer
Full calendar is at http://www2.mercer.edu/Music/calendar.htm
Most of these are FREE. Notice that the Ben Altman (Classical Guitar) concert is at Noon.
Most of these are FREE. Notice that the Ben Altman (Classical Guitar) concert is at Noon.
| February 18 | Masterworks at Noon Series Guest Artist Recital Ben Altman, guitar - Program features Joan Tower's Clocks and Bach's Partita No. 2 in D minor 12 p.m. |
| 18 | Mercer Wind Ensemble Mad About Chamber Winds II Douglas Hill, conductor 7:30 pm |
| 25 | Mercer Jazz Ensemble Monty Cole, director 7:30 PM |
| 26 | Fabian Strings Series Robert McDuffie, violinAmy Schwartz Moretti, violin Julie Albers, celloElizabeth Pridgen, piano - Program features solo works plus Dvorák's Piano Quintet $25 general admission/Free with Mercer IDNOTE: While part of the Fabian Series, the subscription charge for this concert is $25. Call (478) 301-5470 to purchase. For tickets, call (478) 301-5470 or click here to order online |
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Instruments? We don't need no stinkin' INSTRUMENTS!
Proof you can make music with just about anything. Something fluffy for a Friday!
Sampled Room from Mateusz Zdziebko on Vimeo.
Sampled Room from Mateusz Zdziebko on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Test grades available
You can swing over to WebCT/Vista and check your grades. I've typed in the listening scores - you'll get your sheet back in class.
Let me know if you CAN'T see the test score! Remember that your score is out of 70 points, NOT 100!!!!
Let me know if you CAN'T see the test score! Remember that your score is out of 70 points, NOT 100!!!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Music Tech, the upcoming test, concert reports
Test next Monday IN THE LIBRARY COMPUTER LAB. Bring your own earbuds/headphones if you'd like - we do have headphones there if you'd prefer to use those as well.
There are some quickie study sheets on the blog in the sidebar links:
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2006/09/renaissance-music.html
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2007/02/study-sheet-medieval-renaissance.html
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2008/01/elements-test-study-suggestions.html
Here are links to the youtube Music Technology demo videos:
Synth demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3l_KZvpyZg
Sample playback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1r_A8ZPy08
Midi & Softsynths: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK43livUlbs
MIDI recording and quantizing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj7DVMBXjQg
MIDI as a musical word processor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G900R8ejX18
All of the above, if you've got 10 minutes to kill!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MImmCoHH8k
Want some suggestiona on writing a concert report?
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2006/08/sample-listening-chart.html
Check the syllabus as well.
Have a great weekend!
There are some quickie study sheets on the blog in the sidebar links:
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2006/09/renaissance-music.html
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2007/02/study-sheet-medieval-renaissance.html
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2008/01/elements-test-study-suggestions.html
Here are links to the youtube Music Technology demo videos:
Synth demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3l_KZvpyZg
Sample playback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1r_A8ZPy08
Midi & Softsynths: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK43livUlbs
MIDI recording and quantizing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj7DVMBXjQg
MIDI as a musical word processor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G900R8ejX18
All of the above, if you've got 10 minutes to kill!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MImmCoHH8k
Want some suggestiona on writing a concert report?
http://maconstate.blogspot.com/2006/08/sample-listening-chart.html
Check the syllabus as well.
Have a great weekend!
Quick notes, test, etc
- Don't forget that there is a deadline to turn in concert reports. Check the syllabus!
- There WILL be listening on the test - I play a 30 or 60 second snippet from the CDs and you identify the piece. I'll pull from the first 16 pieces (Dowland is the last one - see inside front cover).
- I'd also suggest jumping over to Vista and taking the "stupid sample test" if you've never used Vista on a test. Take it multiple times if you're bored!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Kamien problems, Bookstore issues....and another week begins.
Welcome to the first FULL week of classes for Spring 2011!
1) Thanks to Beth who pointed out that she couldn't register Kamien Connect because it was "closed". They forgot to tell me about having to actually "open" the class with specific availability dates. It's open now.
Kamien Connect would be VERY helpful if you are online a lot, plus it has several "tests" you can take to get ready for the exam [next week!]. It is, however, NOT manadatory.
2) The bookstore has the study guide marked as mandatory. IT IS NOT. Someone somewhere missed the checkbox where I put down that it was OPTIONAL.
The study guide is helpful for some people, for others the Kamien site is better, and yet others prefer to take notes. Make a decision based on how YOU work.
-- ======================================= Tom Rule, the MacMusicGuy http://www.tomrule.info/ Internet Radio http://www.last.fm/music/Tom+Rule/ Bands http://www.tom-and-co.com http://www.moselydixonproject.com Royalty-Free Broadcast Tracks http://www.GovAccessMusic.com ========================================
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
NOT for MusApp - for my piano students
Sorry for the intrusion, Music Appreciation people. This was the handiest way to post the book for my piano students!
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
BOOK ONE
BOOK TWO
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
tom&co album / Three Kings track played the other day
Someone wanted to know where to get a copy of the Three Kings track (they said it was "ballin' ", which was cool...). Here are the links:
the Whole album (Seasons) - iTunes
That page has links which will open up iTunes
It's also available on CDbaby,
either CDs or downloads
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Kamien Textbook available for the iPad
This is what I was sent. If you decide to go this route, I'd really like to hear from you as the semester progresses on whether you like it or not, advantages/disadvantages, etc!
Kamien available for the iPad:
An interactive, electronic version of Kamien: Music, An Appreciation Brief 7e is available for the iPad through Inkling http://www.inkling.com
You can purchase the full book for $69.99.
To learn more about this version of Kamien, visit http://www.inkling.com.
To explore a free chapter, download the Inkling app to your iPad from the App Store.
After launching Inkling on your iPad, navigate to the Inkling store where you can download a chapter on Classical Music for free.
Know that this version of Kamien: Music, An Appreciation Brief 7e contains all the music supporting the Kamien program.
Here is the URL to the Inkling site Textbook page:
http://www.inkling.com/mh_music_an_appreciation_brief/
An interactive, electronic version of Kamien: Music, An Appreciation Brief 7e is available for the iPad through Inkling http://www.inkling.com
You can purchase the full book for $69.99.
To learn more about this version of Kamien, visit http://www.inkling.com.
To explore a free chapter, download the Inkling app to your iPad from the App Store.
After launching Inkling on your iPad, navigate to the Inkling store where you can download a chapter on Classical Music for free.
Know that this version of Kamien: Music, An Appreciation Brief 7e contains all the music supporting the Kamien program.
Here is the URL to the Inkling site Textbook page:
http://www.inkling.com/mh_music_an_appreciation_brief/
Monday, January 03, 2011
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