The Art of Popular Song: From Folk and Musical Theatre to Rock and Contemporary A Capella

AMERICAN CULTURE STUDIES 3237

This course explores the art of songwriting through the lens of American popular music. Students examine landmark songs from multiple eras and create their own original songs in a variety of styles from the precursors of American music to folk, rock, pop, rhythm and blues, Broadway, and a cappella. The course materials include applied popular music theory while examining the musical languages of each genre. Through composing and arranging, listening and analysis, students gain insight into the sonic structure and cultural significance of popular music. The course also responds to students' individual interests and performance backgrounds, offering opportunities to write music for vocal ensembles, singer-songwriter formats, bands and electronic media. Traditional composition and contemporary production practices are examined in detail as students learn to critically listen and find their personal musical styles.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM

Section 01

The Art of Popular Song: From Folk and Musical Theatre to Rock and Contemporary A Capella
INSTRUCTOR: Lenihan
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