Music Coursework Music coursework is comprised of the body of assignments a student must complete in order to pass a music class. Music coursework is generally considered to consist of both in-class and out-of-class assignments. Because of the nature of the subject matter, music coursework—particularly in music theory or composition courses—will be very different from coursework for other classes. Many music classes will require compositions, music analysis, or performance-based work such as sight-singing or chord recognition. However, it is still likely that all music courses will require at least a few writing assignments, such as research papers, analysis papers, and music reviews. A research paper is a popular music coursework assignment, particularly in higher-level music courses. The nature of these reports will be different depending on the course for which they are assigned. For instance, a music history research paper will be different from a music theory reference project. However, regardless of the subject matter, a music research paper will be based in ideas and opinions presented in a variety of scholarly music sources. This will require the student to spend extensive research time in a music library. In all music research papers, it is common for the writer to integrate both text and music quotations from their research sources. An analysis paper is another common music coursework assignment. An analysis paper requires the student to critically interpret and explain a musical text, similar to the way in which a student may critically interpret and explain a work of literature or visual artwork. Music analysis consists of formal, theoretical, and stylistic analysis. In a music analysis paper, the learner will discuss the form, or structure, of the piece; theoretical elements such as harmonic and melodic structure; and stylistic elements such as phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. Another very popularmusic coursework assignment is a music review. Many music professors will require their students to attend a variety of musical performances over the course of the term, and then write a review of these performances. Music reviews are similar to book reviews in that they present a summary of the main points of the performance and then offer commentary and analysis. Music reviews should always identify the date, location, performers, and works performed in the introduction of the review, and should then proceed to discuss each piece performed and the success of the performance. Music, particularly when studied on the college level, is a complex and scholarly subject requiring the same critical and research acumen as any other academic subject. Therefore, music coursework will often be challenging and intense. Students should approach their coursework with the same creative and critical minds as they do their other subjects. |