Course Review - Music | MyCollegePal

Sun, 2011-07-10 00:43

#2

Adelaide

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Joined: 2011-07-05

Choral Society - More than just an Elective

Singing is something that I like to do. While I don't sing in the shower, I do sing out loud when no one else is listening. In high school I expanded a bit, took part in the school choir, and had a great time. While I was reluctant to get into any extracurricular activity that could possibly affect my grades in college, I found that taking a Choral Society course helped relieve the stress of classes while doing something I enjoyed. If you have a passion or hobby in anything, take a semester or two in college. The benefits far outweigh the possibilities of getting overwhelmed. Choral Society required a tryout to join, but it wasn't too difficult. Sing a few notes while the instructor listens. I'm not the best singer, but any one with a bit of singing experience could make it through to the actual course. The instructor was a professor by the name of Paul Hondorp. One could tell from the very first day that the man had a passion for music. He was very friendly and outgoing, and I had no problem talking to him about anything even remotely related to music. He also knew his stuff. I'm not very good at reading music, but Hondorp was able to make it easy for those in the chorus that had problems with it. He also had several connections to nearby churches, which made it easy for him to schedule our concerts at a nice location. There were no grades in this class other than to participate and sing. Unfortunately, there will always be people just looking for an easy grade. There were four or five students there who never paid attention or followed instructions, too busy texting on their cell phones behind the music book. The majority of people there, however, were there for one reason, and that was to sing. What was also interesting about Choral Society was the fact that older adults were permitted to join as well. It wasn't just a class for college students. People of all ages were there to sing. I must also note that the music selections for each concert were very good. Hondorp knew how to challenge his students, especially when he gave us a booklet full of Latin to learn for one concert. It was difficult, but we would train every week, getting each syllable out correctly. That effort culminated into one of the most memorable concerts in my life. I still have the CD somewhere with each song. We sounded ethereal, which goes to show how an experienced instructor can affect the masses.

Fri, 2011-07-22 17:53

#3

jessi246

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Joined: 2011-07-11

Guitar Tech and Lit

Guitar is the best instrument. Sorry to the players of piano, cello, base, drum, or whatever other instrument. It’s the truth. Face it. I had taken guitar lessons before enrolling in this class. I signed up just for fun and to see if I could develop my skills a little more. However, there were people of all skill ranges taking the class, from those just learning which way the neck of the guitar goes, to those working on scales up and down said neck. We all started at the beginning, and I got a chance to refine the basics and get a good review. The point is, don’t be intimidated of taking this class just because you’ve never held a guitar. Music expands the mind and gets your brain working! This can help in all your classes. Music is also a relaxer. I found myself looking forward to the class just to get a chance to sit back and play. It was nice to breathe and take it easy after a stressful day at school. We still worked hard at getting down those songs, but it was fun and well worth it. You will need your own guitar, so be prepared for that, but it doesn’t have to be fancy or new. You’re just learning the instrument, so go buy an old, used guitar and give it a whirl! They’re not that expensive if you know where to look. You might find at the end of the class that you have a new skill you really enjoy and will use for life.

Sun, 2011-07-24 22:10

#4

abnormalalien

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Joined: 2011-07-05

Everything is Music Even If It's Not

Course: Introduction to Music Appreciation School: SUNY Plattsburgh For years before college, I always heard stories about Music Appreciation class. One friend of mine took a course in which her instructor played a song and told the class to write a short paragraph about how the music made them feel: what their thoughts were. Now that sounds a lot more like therapy than school! So I figured, why not? Well, the course certainly wasn't the worst class I've ever taken, but it also was not as cool as my high school friend's class had been. Every class period students would arrive and music would be playing. Not the music that you typically hear on the radio but old music. Each clsas was a different song that we were required to not only recognize by sound but also by artist, time period, ad instruments. Although I took piano lessons in middle school, I still find it hard to differentiate between a violin and a viola, or a clarinet and other woodwinds. After the everyone arrived and the introductory song was discussed thoroughly, the lecture went through a time period and discussed every possible thing you never wanted to know about the music played in that period. Sometimes the lecture would focus around practicing to recognize particular songs. The homework was only ever to listen to the music and practice identifying it. So of course the difficult part had to be the exams. For each exam, muliple choice questions were asked from the lecture, such as, "What are the instruments used in a string quintent?" However, another portion of the exam was based on a few songs that had to be indentified only by sound! I don't know about the average college student but sometimes I have a hard time telling the difference between Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. The final exam also included one of these listening portions. Although the course was not as I expected it would be, it also was not that horrible either. I learned about half tuning and weird noises that classical musicians made from various instruments. I also learned about songs that regardless of how many times you listen, refuse to have a memorizable melody. In fact, one song (sorry I can't remember what it is called) was so melody free that the instructor offered an instant A to any student who could sing along to it!

Fri, 2011-07-29 21:34

#5

Moonspinners

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Joined: 2011-07-20

Some notes on Jazz and Ridgecrest

If you are not a “Humanities” student and are more of a math science person finding a humanities class that is the least difficult to sign up for can be a chore. This was me. I have not ear for languages and while I am interested in art, it would not be my first choice for meeting this general education requirement. I found Appreciation of Jazz while trolling the online list for Cero Coso College looking for anthropology classes. The online set up for this class is very easy. The instructor has done an excellent job of integrating musical sound bites into the online reading material Quick Tip: Get a small recording device and record the musical sound bites from the web site. These can be your audio notes for tests and exams. I want to share a quick note about Ridgecrest. It is a great jumping off spot for a lot of camping hiking and fishing in the eastern sierras. A lot of people do not know that the geographic low and high for the lower 48 are right in this area. Mt. Whitney at 14,505 in Inyo County is 1 hour north. Bad Water basin on death valleys floor is 282 feet below sea level. Every year in July there is an Ultra marathon that starts in Badwater and Ends at the Mt. Whitney Portal, 135 miles away! Running in Death Valley in July for fun!

Wed, 2011-08-24 12:18

#6

KatePrice

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Music in Film

Music in Film at Montclair State University As an Art History major I love art. But when I came to filling the art and music requirement for Montclair State University I was a little more than terrified since my skills at actually creating art are somewhere along the level of finger painting and gluing macaroni to a piece of cardboard. But I found this music appreciation class titled Music and Film. Since I love movies and love to sing I figured, why not give it a go? And I’m so happy I did. The professor was nice and explained all music terms and movie lingo in ways that even someone like me who knows little to nothing about show business could understand. We watched movies from the very beginning of sound to modern classics. There were even some exercises with YouTube videos early in the semester that really got the point across of how music can completely change the feel of a scene. Despite everything I learned in class, the homework, tests and short essays, I always looked forward to the two days a week I could go to the lecture hall, sit and just watch a movie while learning something at the same time. It was fun, a nice break from an otherwise busy day where I could just relax and have some fun with friends. How many classes can you say that about? If there’s any class like this on your campus I highly recommend taking it. You won't be able to watch a movie the same way again.

Thu, 2011-09-01 17:50

#7

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Music Appreciation

MUS 121 Music Appreciation is a very fun class offered by Finlandia University which basic premise is to introduce students to various music styles in various cultures within the United States. Some examples include music of that of the Native Americans, folk music, gospel music, Jazz, big band, and mainstream music. There was a lot of talk of assimilation within the cultures of the U.S. regarding the music and how varied styles can be and how music has evolved and transformed through time due to the assimilation of cultures. There were discussions on how gospel music and folk music were inspired by that of the songs sang by the slaves, and we listened to a lot of examples to where we could actually hear the similarities as well as differences in each type of music. I would have to say that the class consisted of 25% reading, 50% listening to the music and watching music videos and 25% discussion within the class. Along with the reading material within the text, we were also assigned to listening to the CD's that accompanied the text book and writing either an opinion piece on it or identify different elements within the musical piece which would relate to assimilation as well as to help identify what type of music it is and where it originated.

Thu, 2011-09-01 18:13

#8

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Piano I

In this introductory class, MUS 131 Piano I, instructs the student at the beginning level. At first, the students learn and are tested on their knowledge of the piano and the reading of sheet music. The student also learns to identify, read, and recognize how the corresponding keys on the piano relate to the written music. With each lesson the student then starts practicing dexterity in the fingers using first the right hand and then incorporates the left as well. The reading of the music, learning the timing of the beats and measures and going by a metronome whiel practicing on the piano itself enables the student a sort of independent study that the instructor oversees. Any questions or commentary is quickly seen to as the class tends to be on the smaller size which means more personal interaction. By the end of the semester the student has the ability to play easy material proficiently which incorporates both hands and has developed manual dexterity. The student also has the ability to identify and understand the basic keys on the piano, and the ability to define basic musical terms and how they correspond using both hands.

Thu, 2011-09-01 19:24

#9

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Voice I

In this introductory freshman level class, MUS 151 Voice I offered at Finlandia University, the student is introduced to the concept of proper breath as in breathing through the diaphragm rather than the lungs and using the diaphragm to control the breathing so the tone comes out clean, smooth, and unbroken. Along with doing exercises to improve tone production, the student also learns how to articulate properly doing exercises with the mouth and throat. During these exercises, the professor explained how the tone sounds as it escapes your mouth and how you position your tongue, how your throat is involved and placement of lips around or on teeth produce different sounds when singing. Incorporating this with the lessons on voice control, breathing, and articulation, the student then goes over solo and ensemble repertoire including pieces that the student decides to perform at a recital. I have taken voice lessons all through high school and also participated in choir. In college though, it stresses and expands more on the art and the different musical pieces chosen for recital are more advanced than that of those found in my high school voice lessons. I found the experience to be very rewarding and to this day, although I do not sing professionally, I do still use the concepts that I've learned in this college class for any singing that I may do, whether karaoke or around the house. An exceptional class.

Thu, 2011-09-01 19:37

#10

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Piano II

MUS 132 Piano II, yet another class offered at Finlandia University which expands more upon the fundamentals of reading music, incorporating more difficult and strenuous exercises using both hands simultaneously upon the keyboard. Again, the class is small which institutes a more controlled environment as well as more one on one time between student and instructor. The basic reading of music is expanded upon; the student learns more elaborate material by memorizing the different placements, keys and expands outwardly upon the keyboard instead of focusing on the keys surrounding Middle C. Sharps and flats are also covered as well as what key the piece is played in. The student is also required to work independently with written testing and the course is not solely revolved around the keyboard itself but there are also discussions on music and its practice. More time is spent on manual dexterity and the instructor follows the students closely to make sure that finger placement is proper. This is a slightly more advanced class, and I believe it was once a week and lasted roughly an hour. Like Piano I and Voice I, Piano II is offered as a 25 minute one-on-one class as well. Some students who are more concerned with one on one interaction can option for this if it is available pending the instructor's schedule.

Thu, 2011-09-01 19:53

#11

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

University Singers III

Apart of Finlandia University's varied curriculum is the wonderful MUS 253 University Singers III which has a prerequisite of MUS 153 and 154. Because of my previous experience in high school as well as years of voice training I had the ability to move forward into an upper division of singing. This particular class with the enthusiasm of the instructor produced amazing results coupled with the voice lessons that I and the other students have taken. The choir pieces included the classical choir pieces as well as gospel, and beautiful pieces such as "Till There Was You." from the Music Man. I was very impressed at how eclectic the instructor was and how varied the music which of course appealed to a wide array of tastes during the actual performances. During the Christmas concert, individuals from the Voice classes were able to perform with the University Singers and had their own individual performances as well. The students in this class learned advanced harmonization, rhythm, tempo, the beat of the music as well as advanced sight reading. This class was both relaxing as well as exciting and is highly recommended for anyone with a history of music or a love of singing. If music moves you and you love the sound of harmonization, this would be the class for you.

Thu, 2011-09-01 20:04

#12

jvstanley

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Joined: 2011-08-23

Theory I

The one class out of all the music classes that I have ever taken that proved to be the most challenging would have to be MU 101 Theory I through Northern Michigan University. Although it is an introduction to basic structural elements in music, a lot of the course work was based on text book readings and discussions. Because I'm not particularly mathematically inclined, one who is proficient in mathematics would probably do considerably better than I. I took this mandatory class when I was contemplating on whether or not to minor in Music. Students who want to either major or minor in Music are required to take this class as well as the upper division Music Theory II in order to graduate. A lot of time and a lot of patience is required to succeed in this class. The only way I know how to describe this course is Music Theory is like Microbiology-it delves deep into the inner workings of music and the theory and the hypothetical behind it and puts each element under a microscope and studies it. It is not an easy course but integral to those who want to major in music.

Mon, 2011-10-31 14:28

#13

Rizvi11

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Joined: 2011-10-20

RJ

RJ means Radio Jockey. I am a RJ in our local radio station, Radio Nalta. I've taken an advanced course on RJ. The famous RJ in our area was our instructor. I think, RJ is a challenging occupation. Just imagine, you are "ON AIR" (live program). There, you cannot make any mistake. Your voice should be on a level from start to end! RJ course is not too difficult. It was a course on RJ job. The main things were, How to talk on Radio, How to manage the audience, which song should be played in various moments, etc. Our instructor taught us how to talk on Radio. It is the main job of a RJ. You have to keep your voice on a level. There should not be any up and down. It makes the audience more attentive to the RJ. Song selection is also very important for a RJ. From this course, we learnt that which song played in a special moment. It makes the audience happier. I had taken this course to be an RJ. I succeed in that operation. Maybe, this course is the main reason. Actually, every course helps us in many ways of our journey.

Mon, 2011-10-31 14:29

#14

Rizvi11

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Joined: 2011-10-20

Debating

I don't like this subject at all, though I'm the captain of our college debating team! No, I'm not joking. It is true! I don't feel proud to think about this. Our class teacher sent us in a course, which was based on debating. At that time, I was not the captain. I was not really interested in this course. However, it was the order of our teacher. What could I do? :) At the first class, my heart was telling me that this journey would be very hard for me. For my nervousness, it came true! It's true that our instructors were trying to make their lecture more interesting, but I couldn't understand anything. Nevertheless, I can tell that the debating is not too boring. I took this course about five months ago. The effect of this course was very interesting. After returning college, a debating competition was held, and I don't know why I was the best speaker in this competition! In fact, in this course, I was feeling kind of boring. For that, I kept myself busy in acting like our instructor! And it was in my mind every time. I expressed myself in the competition like them, and it makes me the captain of our debating team!!! Now I feel every course is very effective, even if it is too short or too bad!

Tue, 2011-11-01 13:06

#15

Rizvi11

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Joined: 2011-10-20

Guitar

Guitar is my favorite musical instrument. I like to play this. I have a very nice guitar. When I sing a song, it is always with me. I heard about a course which subject was learning guitar. I heard about this course from my friend. I signed up for this course without late! Guitar learning course was not short. This course was about 1.5 month long. We started learning from the basic because we didn't know anything about Guitar. Our music teacher is a very good singer. He is an excellent guitarist too. He taught us about guitar from the basic. The most interesting thing is that we can ask him about all the spare of music not only Guitar. We learnt about all things of guitar. I can clearly remember that when we were in the advance part, we were creating many mistakes, and the mistakes somehow were making a new melody! It was very funny to us. However, I always believe that mistake teaches us to create new things. Playing Guitar is my hobby. This course has made me semi-professional in this journey. I just loved this course.

Fri, 2011-11-25 22:02

#16

MrFinance

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Joined: 2011-11-07

The only music class I have

The only music class I have taken involved the Piano. I'm not sure how anybody else feels about this but learning the Piano was like learning a foreign language, I personally think that its something that should be learned as a child as opposed to learning it as an adult. I thought it would be an easy course but it ended up being a super challenge trying to get a grasp of the different notes etc. Needless to say I got a C in the class and it ended up being one of my big regrets but I left saying that I have more respect for people that have mastered the piano.

Thu, 2012-04-19 02:38

#17

Astepcloser

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Joined: 2012-01-14

I am not sure if this

I am not sure if this qualifies as an actual music class or not. I would assume that it does, as it is an actual course at my university, and you can get a credit for completing it. It would be a "personal performance" credit, meaning it's a gym class. But, marching band is my "music class" of choice. I am a proud member of the color guard. In most marching bands, there is a group of girls (and sometimes guys!) who perform alongside the marching band that help to add visual effects to the music. They use their movements (and the equipment's movements) to engage viewers more intently on the marching band itself. Over the years, it really has been great fun. It is the way that I have met the majority of my really close friends. Both in high school and in college. I always say the best decision I ever made was joining marching band, and my biggest regret was not joining sooner than I did. :)

Tue, 2012-04-24 00:59

#18

Mboyd89

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Joined: 2012-04-20

Music 102 - Music Appreciation

This is the only music course I took at ISU, and it was mostly just for interest. This class was largely lecture based, and attendance was actually a major part of the grade. We learned a lot of interesting stuff in this class. We talked about different instruments used in different styles of music throughout the world, and we talked about how music theory works in other cultures. Additionally, we talked about the most well known artists from different genres and cultures. Finally, we talked about different genres of music that have been popular throughout history. This included listening to symphonies and, on one occasion, watching a video of an opera. The grades in this class were, as I said partially based on attendance. Other parts of the class included taking regular tests, which were administered in a testing center outside of class hours, and attending a minimum of six musical performances outside of class hours. To be completely honest, I don't remember this class that fondly. It wasn't a terrible class. I did enjoy learning about the different kinds of music in other cultures, and I liked hearing about different kids of instruments. However, aside from that, I can't say that I really gained all that much from this class.

Sun, 2012-05-06 18:58

#19

java602

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Joined: 2011-07-05

Listening to Jazz

My final semester at the community college that required an art class in order to graduate I was enrolled in six classes. The art class I was enrolled in, in lieu of a better option, was “Listening to Jazz”. Contrary to how one might think the class might have gone based on its name, the class was history of the musical style, with little scatterings of random Jazz standards that the class was forced to memorize. The professor did not look at the class while lecturing, he did not answer questions, he was not available for extra help, and he created assignments that were difficult and expensive to complete. The material that we were supposed to read was poorly written and was boring to the extreme. The three hour lectures were punctuated with a ten minute break. One ten minute break. Students were told to keep track of their own scores, because the professor told us at the start of the class that he would not tell us if we asked. My calculated B in his class was turned into a C because I didn’t do a project that he pushed on us. He lowered my grade below what it should have been because I failed to complete one assignment. It was possibly the worst class I have taken thus far in my three year college career.

Mon, 2012-05-07 12:49

#20

simona-ioana

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Joined: 2012-05-06

I have to say that I loved

I have to say that I loved the music classes, our teacher knew we were absolutely unable to sing, well of course, not all of us, we had no great talents, but for the rest of us who took that course just for fun, she made that hour the best in our lives. Each and every one of us who screamed instead of singing was supposed to pick an instrument and make the best out of it. I still can’t understand how was she able to bare that noise, but we were absolutely happy and feeling like a rock band. Because we were supposed to learn something from that course, she used to bring her famous composers CD’s and play them for us. She told us their entire life history and made us appreciate the beauty of classical music. I also remember when she told us to bring one of our favorite songs, she did not judge the style that we chose, she listened to all of our songs and after that she really threw the towel when she told us that her favorite song was one by “Element Eighty – Broken Promises” . During the entire semester she never let us get bored, she always told us funny facts she knew about music and we also debated plagiarism and other issues that take place in the modern world of music.

Tue, 2012-05-22 00:43

#21

goldchainam

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Joined: 2012-05-16

History of Rock Music

What a cool class. If you want to learn more about American Rock music and its evolution since the 1950s, take this class. There are two professors who teach it. (Take it with Kjorness) Notable artists are featured in the class, including Elvis, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Doors, Chicago, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, and Black Sabbath.. Additionally, notable events and individuals are highlighted, including John Hammond, Berry Gordy Jr., Woodstock, and Altamont. In this course, you will be taught how each musical genre started and how each affected the other. You will also be wonderfully taught why each matters. With such an interesting subject and with a professor who cares so much about the subject, anyone can do well in this class if they just listen – and listen well. You will also be required to write three papers, consisting of two concert reviews and one final research paper of your choosing. The concert reviews should be easy for anyone who loves music and loves writing about it (or even simply writing about their own opinions in general). The professor is very easy-going as to what kind of concert you write about, as seen from how he was cool with me writing about a coffee house organized by a high school. Additionally, Longwood University offers a concert event every semester, Bandfest in the spring and Battle of the Bands in the fall. With multiple bands featured at each weekend event, you won’t be forced to hastily buy $50+ tickets to a concert the weekend before the assignment is due. Additionally, you will learn basic music terminology that will assist you on projects like these with words like timbre, texture, and more. Feel free to ignore buying the textbook, though. By the end of the semester, all I could think was, “Why? Why make me buy this book? I didn’t need it for one moment.” Honestly, flipping through it, the in-class instruction is much better than what the textbook provides, being, “Rock and Roll, Its History and Stylistic Development (5th Edition).” Feel free to cough up the $75~ dollars, though, if you can’t trust your notes (or don’t want to look at the Powerpoint presentations offered online). Great class. Take it. You’ll never regret it.

Thu, 2012-08-09 19:32

#22

pianodude701

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Joined: 2012-08-09

A Cappella Choir

The choir at Stephen F. Austin State University has been so much more than just a music course to me. I have been in this choir for eight semesters, going on a ninth starting as a graduate student. Although we do, of course, learn musical fundamentals in here, and do plenty of singing, the opportunities and challenges presented to us as musicians go far beyond that. Dr. Tim King is constantly pushing us to feel both the contour of the music and meaning of the text. He pushes us to work harder, learn faster, and create art as a group greater than any of us could make individually. The rehearsal schedule can be physically and mentally taxing, but the opportunities rewarded us are immense. Since I began my time as a student, the choir has gone to Italy, Austira, Germany, and the Czech Republic, in addition to many destinations across the state of Texas to perform beautiful choral music worldwide. Whether you are an aspiring talented musician ready to tackle the next big thing, or a casual student looking to keep singing, I would recommend a choral ensemble ten times out of ten. This ensemble in particular is for talented musicians and meets my desire to be challenged, but universities everywhere have great choirs looking for men and women that simply love to sing. I encourage each and every one of you to sing in a choir near you.

Tue, 2012-09-25 10:00

#23

TBanton

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Joined: 2012-09-20

Jazz: Origins, Styles and Influences

This class is one of the most basic Music Appreciation courses you can take and is in fact, the first of the music courses for those who choose to major in it. Unlike other Music courses dedicated to teaching you how to actually play an instrument, this class is about learning to recognize the different styles of jazz. However, I think the course title having 'jazz' in it immediately limits our perception of the class. If you're not a fan of modern jazz, then you'll probably only be half-interested or just be there to fill out your requirement. The structure of the class is like a lecture hall, but with periodic moments of just listening to music and learning the difference between blues and swing music. It's interesting to hear how what call "old music" is still being used by modern artists because essentially, the instruments don't change, it's just a matter of how a musician uses them. There was a bit of surprise when my professor announced that we'd have to write papers for the entirety of the class. Being that this was really the only elective, non-major/minor class I took, I wasn't sure if I could dedicate the kind of time it would take to write a good paper. Luckily, the papers were simple writing assignments based on the lecture and passages in the text. Our tests were also formatted differently, in that we had to listen to different tracks and identify who was playing in what style. Even the most casual music listener can gain something out of this class and the work is relatively easy.

Thu, 2012-12-06 23:21

#24

natashac

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Joined: 2012-12-05

Conducting 101 and 102

These have become the most useful courses I have ever taken. I testing into the conducting classes because I know a lot about music. I tested out of first year music theory and practicals (I already played and knew theory). I became eligible for the conducting class. I want to say that I'm not a music major and I don't work in the music industry. I'm a "from home" piano teacher to young kids and adults. I run a choir at my church. I'm not a music professional. I just love music. Conducting 101 and 102 gave me more teaching background than I thought possible. The class focused on how to conduct certain songs. The 101 class was more about getting your hands to move in time with the music and learning different hand motions for different things (crecendo, ritando, etc). The 102 class was more about leading a choir and a symphony. In the 101 class you had to ground yourself in theory. You had to be good enough at understanding the music to teach others through your hand motions. The class was practical and reinforced many musical concepts. The 102 class focused on how to get groups of people to respond to you and how to lead them. This was a great class that culminated in each person leading the class in a song. These classes taught me how to take my music from inside myself and express it outward. I learned how to teach others about the music. It was a great series.

Sun, 2012-12-23 08:27

#25

Hearty Marial

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Joined: 2012-11-16

HUMANITIES

The HUMANITIES class was the best class for me. This class offers learning for arts; performing arts, visual arts, history of arts, all about arts. My Humanities class was divided into 2 all throughout the semester, the first part was all about performing arts and the second was music. Performing arts for me is really easy since I’ve been inclined and been doing it since I was in high school. The second part thrilled me most since yes, I love music, I love listening to songs, but I really don’t have any idea how to read notes or even sing. My classmate told me that whenever I sing, the feeling she got is like, Jesus Christ would go down His cross and poke me and tell me not to sing for I don’t have to, I’m already loved. Yeah, that’s how worst my singing is. My teacher was a member of our school’s resident theater arts club and he really loves singing. I told him about my problem that I am very much willing to eat a whole chicken instead of singing in front of the class. He then offered me a special music class after his last class every other day. I was so excited about it and thrilled! I was like; “oh my, this is my time!” I immediately grabbed the opportunity without any hesitations. He taught me the secrets of proper vocalizing; he taught me how to read notes. It was really hard for him I can see, since I couldn’t really absorb lessons about note-reading but still he continued. He taught me how to play one musical instrument and that is the piano. Eventually, I learned to fully-love music and now, whenever I want to peace my mind out, I would go for songs from the movie Phantom of the Opera, songs by Kenny G and the like. Thanks to my Humanities class.

Sat, 2013-01-05 00:27

#26

mrsmac2775

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Joined: 2013-01-04

Music Appreciation

Everyone in college has to take some kind of artistic appreciation course, whether art, music, or whatever else your specific college might offer. I took both for reasons still unknown to me. Music appreciation was by far one of the easiest college courses I have ever taken and as a graduate student, I have taken more than I care to mention. My particular instructor was a little insane, which helped add to the enjoyment of the class. We listened to various types of music including chamber music, baroque music, and even some Elvis Presley. You do not have to like every type of music you have to listen to. The whole point is to learn to appreciate it for what it is or what it was. As long as you can understand what each type of music was used for and why, you will be okay in the course. This class does not require any particular studying that I recall. It just requires actively listening and participating. Comment when questions are asked and pay attention and you will be just fine. Overall, this course was an easy A and as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, one of the easiest college courses you will ever take. Enjoy it.

Sun, 2013-02-24 20:36

#27

cmannine

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Joined: 2013-02-17

World Music

World music was a very interesting course. You get to listen to music from all over the world. It is beautiful to learn so much about society and how every society values music. I liked all the music I listened to during the course. The downfall is the testing is really hard as you have to try to remember which country the music comes from and you do not get to listen to the whole song for testing purposes. The textbook consists of tapes or cds that you listen to as well as a lecture. There is no paper writing or projects for this class, other than to listen to music and learn it. If you have a good ear and memory you should do fine in the class. I did really enjoy taking the class and learning about the music of the world. If you enjoy learning about other cultures you will like this class or if you are a fan of music and not particular about the style. It will open your eyes to the beauty of the world and the music surroudning it.

Fri, 2013-03-08 17:55

#28

kevharr

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Joined: 2013-03-07

Choir and how I developped

Singing is something that I really enjoy doing. This semester I am in college choir and we are doing a lot of Broadway pieces. Singing is like a stress reliever for me and being in choir with people that has the same taste as you do feels awesome. Plus, it’s music—no matter what, it’s going to be awesome. I sang bass when I was in choir but some people told me I could have been a tenor. I really like hitting high notes because then I feel the sense of emotion and beauty to the melody. Even though I like to hit high notes, I couldn’t always hit all the higher notes that I want to. As a bass, I have a 2 octave range. My voice teacher said that it is pretty good but that does not mean it can’t go any further. So, I still have the hope of having a wider range. To get to the point of having a 2 octave range and strong, clear, crisp voice, I followed some free coaching on Youtube and then bought Brett Manning’s DVDs. Brett Manning’s DVDs really worked for me, as far as extending the range and having a better chord closure, but not so much of singing. This reason is why I took voice class at the college that I am attending right now. She has been helping me with breathing, singing, diction, mouth openness, the use of your 5 resonators, and a lot more. I am hoping to be able to sing at least at a semi-pro level. I have this principle of not giving up or stopping once you start something. And especially since I have gone this far, I am not stopping now.

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