Music 122 - Living American Music

This class is about making music together for its own sake and for what it can teach us about worlds internal and external; about others who make music together; and about categories of imagination and practice like genre and nation. What do harmony singing in eighteenth century Amherst, Diné metal and Taylor Swift have in common? What sets them apart? To open windows of understanding on living music practices connected to the geographic, historical, and imaginary United States, students will begin by embodying music as a community, including in-class living of accessible music from nineteenth century "shapenote" harmony singing to Anthony Braxton's "language music." Readings in music journalism, scholarship and memoir across time will amplify class visits by artists living punk rock, gospel, world jazz, and intertribal powwow. 

No prior experience is required. Students will engage with music and each other through group projects, independent research, presentations, weekly music making, reading, writing and discussion.

Fall semester. Professor Eriksen

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Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on readings, group work and music making.