Music Courses at New River Community College
MUS 121 Music Appreciation (Lecture Courses)
Many of us spend our life listening to music, whether aware or unaware. Music surrounds us, fills the airwaves and influences us in so many ways. What is the definition of music? After all, what is “music” to one's ears may not be music to another's. Where does music come from? Why does music sound the way it does? How is the music of today linked to the past? Why should pop musicians be grateful to Bach?
This class provides an overall understanding of music, an overall appreciation for its past, present and potential future. Music has always had an impact on its listeners and has been used to promote the ideals of different civilizations. Like architecture, literature and art, music has evolved over the centuries…a living mirror and history of man's evolution and philosophy which has the power to reveal to our “modern” ears the sounds of the past: mysticism, reverence, love, passion, joy, sorrow and celebration…
Come and share this common musical thread and discover how much we have in common with those of long ago. It is in understanding this past that we can put into perspective our musical present.
Course Materials
Instructor Supplied Materials
To Be Purchased at NRCC Bookstore:
- Two single subject notebooks to be used for in-class weekly listening journals and class notes
- Hal Leonard Pocket Music Dictionary
Getting Started
Simply make sure you have your Hal Leonard Music Dictionary and single-subject notebooks! I will hand out the course syllabus in class.
That is all there is to it!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can MUS 121 Music Appreciation apply to my degree?
A: Yes. If you need humanities credits, MUS 121 fulfills 3 credits.
- Q: Are these credits transferable to another institution?
A: Absolutely!
- Q: Why should I learn to “appreciate” music? I already do!
A: Music Appreciation acquaints the students with various aspects of music that the
average listener may be unaware of. It will look at the evolution of Western Music,
from the Middle Ages to present day. Not only will it cover why our music today
sounds the way it does, but it will also explore the power of music in one's everyday
life.
- Q: What is Blackboard?
A: It is a system that we have on campus to complement the lecture, online or distance
education classes. It is simple to use and instructions will be given the first day of
class for all students unfamiliar with it.
- Q: What other benefits are there to taking this course?
A: Many students are surprised by how this class affects their personal or family life.
Often spouses have found something new to share, a reason to go out without the
children, while others open a whole new world of music to their children, making
bedtime, study time and car time a whole new experience!
- Q: What are the grades based on?
A: There will be three exams (300 pts), four reports (400 pts.), in-class and email assignments (150 pts), pop quizzes (50 pts.), and in-class listening journals (100 pts.).
- Q: Is one allowed to do extra credit projects?
A: There are no extra credit projects in this class. This class is designed with enough diversity among the points given to help all types of learners succeed.
- Q: What do I need to prepare for class besides the class materials?
A: A curious mind and a love of music!
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
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MUS 121-30 Music Appreciation
Many of us spend our life listening to music, whether aware or unaware. Music surrounds us, fills the airwaves and influences us in so many ways. What is the definition of music? After all, what is “music” to one's ears may not be music to another's. Where does music come from? Why does music sound the way it does? How is the music of today linked to the past? Why should pop musicians be grateful to Bach?
This class provides an overall understanding of music, an overall appreciation for its past, present and potential future. Music has always had an impact on its listeners and has been used to promote the ideals of different civilizations. Like architecture, literature and art, music has evolved over the centuries…a living mirror and history of man's evolution and philosophy which has the power to reveal to our “modern” ears the sounds of the past: mysticism, reverence, love, passion, joy, sorrow and celebration…
Come and share this common musical thread and discover how much we have in common with those of long ago. It is in understanding this past that we can put into perspective our musical present.
Course Materials
The following materials will be sent to you from Distance Education:
- The Course Plan with the following information:
- Class schedule and assignments
- Study guides for the exams
- DVD-ROM agreement
- Open-book DVD-ROM Viewing Exam
The Music Appreciation DVD-ROM used for the Viewing Exam
Note: This material will be sent to your address on file at New River Community College. Please make sure that it is updated and correct.
The following materials should be picked up from the Bookstore:
-
Textbook: “The Enjoyment of Music", Kristine Forney & Joseph Machlis 11th Edition
-
Study Guide: “Study Guide For Forney/Machlis: The Enjoyment of Music", 11th Edition
- Four CDs “The Norton Recordings", 11th Edition
- 5 scantran forms #882
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Getting Started
Once the course material has been picked up from Distance Ed, make sure that you read thoroughly the Course Plan. All instructions for the semester are found there.
Please make sure that you sign the Agreement form included in your Course Plan and return by the deadline date indicated there.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can MUS 121 Music Appreciation apply to my degree?
A: Yes. If you need humanities credits, MUS 121 fulfills 3 credits.
- Q: Are these credits transferable to another institution?
A: Absolutely
- Q: Why should I learn to “appreciate” music? I already do!
A: Music Appreciation acquaints the students with various aspects of music that the
average listener may be unaware of. It will look at the evolution of Western Music,
from the Middle Ages to present day. Not only will it cover why our music today
sounds the way it does, but it will also explore the power of music in one's everyday
life.
- Q: Who is this class designed for?
A: This class is designed for the student who needs the convenience of taking a course
outside of the normal lecture time due to work related, family or physical restraints.
The student who takes this course feels more comfortable working with a textbook
and paper, rather than studying everything online.
- Q: Does this class use Blackboard?
A: No. However grades are posted there for those who want to immediately check their
grades. All grades will be given to the students via voice mail, so it is really not
necessary.
- Q: What is Blackboard?
A: It is a system that we have on campus to complement the lecture, online or distance
education classes. If a student desires information on how to use blackboard, the
Distance Education office would be happy to explain how to log on.
- Q: Is this course a paper-based course?
A: Almost entirely. The only part that is not paper-based involves the viewing of the
Music Appreciation CD-ROMs available free from Distance Education. These will
be used for an “open” CD-ROM exam to be taken throughout the semester.
- Q: Since this is a paper-based course, do we use the Student Resource DVD?
A: The Student Resource DVD comes automatically with the book. You are not expected to use it. If you are comfortable with using the technology, you can go ahead and further your music appreciation experience. However, no assignments are given that use it.
- Q: What if I don't have a computer to view the CD-ROMs?
A: NRCC has computers available for all of its students with personnel who are willing
to help explain how to view the CD-ROMs. Also local libraries have computers
which can be used by the community.
- Q: What are the grades based on?
A: There will be five exams, one CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Viewing Exam and Open-Book Study Guide Review questions to turn in.
- Q: Is one allowed to do extra credit projects in case the exams don't go well?
A: There are no extra credit projects for this class. Just make sure that you spend the necessary time to read the text and complete the assignments as required. That should help you prepare for the exams.
- Q: What do I need to prepare for class besides the class materials?
A: A curious mind, the ability to work on one's own, and a love of music!
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
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Music Course 121 - 35 Music Appreciation (Online Course)
Many of us spend our life listening to music, whether aware or unaware. Music surrounds us, fills the airwaves and influences us in so many ways. What is the definition of music? After all, what is “music” to one's ears may not be music to another's. Where does music come from? Why does music sound the way it does? How is the music of today linked to the past? Why should pop musicians be grateful to Bach?
This class provides an overall understanding of music, an overall appreciation for its past, present and potential future. Music has always had an impact on its listeners and has been used to promote the ideals of different civilizations. Like architecture, literature and art, music has evolved over the centuries…a living mirror and history of man's evolution and philosophy which has the power to reveal to our “modern” ears the sounds of the past: mysticism, reverence, love, passion, joy, sorrow and celebration…
Come and share this common musical thread and discover how much we have in common with those of long ago. It is in understanding this past that we can put into perspective our musical present.
Course Materials
To be purchased at the College Bookstore:
OnMusic Appreciation Standard for Blackboard
The Music Appreciation DVD-ROM will be sent to you from the Distance Education office.
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Getting Started
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can MUS 121 Music Appreciation apply to my degree?
A: Yes. If you need humanities credits, MUS 121 fulfills 3 credits.
- Q: Are these credits transferable to another institution?
A: Absolutely
- Q: Why take these courses at New River?
A: New River Community College has been a leader in distance education and online
courses. This particular online course is supported by an instructor who is passionate
and knowledgeable about music and wants to instill that same passion and knowledge
to her students through the interactive forum of online education.
- Q: Who is this class designed for?
A: This class is designed for the student who feels comfortable working online and
who needs the convenience of taking a course outside of the normal lecture time due
to work related, family or physical restraints.
- Q: What course materials do I need?
A: The student needs to acquire OnMusic Appreciation Standard for Blackboard from the Bookstore at NRCC. Music Appreciation CD-ROMs (3) or DVD-ROM (1) will be sent directly to your mailing address on file at the college and will be used for the Discussion Forums. Please make sure that your address is up-to-date.
- Q: Does it cost anything for the Distance Education CD-ROMs?
A: Not at all!
- Q: Is this course entirely online? Can I be somewhere else and still take this course?
A:It is entirely online. The Midterm and Final Exams will be taken at the testing center on the NRCC campus. If you need a proctor because you live elsewhere, just fill out the proctor forms that are located in blackboard so that a proctor can be arranged for you.
- Q: Does this class use Blackboard?
A: Yes. The entire course is online using Blackboard at NRCC. This course is accessed once you have registered your OnMusic Appreciation Standard for Blackboard code.
- Q: Do I need to come on campus for any part of the course?
A: Only for the Midterm and Final Exams. Everything else is done online.
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
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Music 122 Music Appreciation II (Lecture Course)
Many of us spend our life listening to music, whether aware or unaware. Music surrounds us, fills the airwaves and influences us in so many ways. What is the definition of music? After all, what is “music” to one's ears may not be music to another's. Where does music come from? Why does music sound the way it does? How is the music of today linked to the past? Why should pop musicians be grateful to Bach?
This class provides an overall understanding of music, an overall appreciation for its past, present and potential future. Music has always had an impact on its listeners and has been used to promote the ideals of different civilizations. Like architecture, literature and art, music has evolved over the centuries…a living mirror and history of man's evolution and philosophy which has the power to reveal to our “modern” ears the sounds of the past: mysticism, reverence, love, passion, joy, sorrow and celebration…
Come and share this common musical thread and discover how much we have in common with those of long ago. It is in understanding this past that we can put into perspective our musical present.
Course Materials
Instructor Supplied Materials
To Be Purchased at NRCC Bookstore:
* Two single subject notebooks to be used for in-class weekly listening journals and class notes
Getting Started
Simply make sure you have two single-subject notebooks! I will hand out the course syllabus in class.
That is all there is to it!
top ⇑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can MUS 122 Music Appreciation apply to my degree?
A: Yes. If you need humanities credits, MUS 122 fulfills 3 credits<./p>
- Q: Are these credits transferable to another institution?
A: Absolutely
- Q: Why should I learn to “appreciate” music? I already do!
A: Music Appreciation acquaints the students with various aspects of music that the
average listener may be unaware of. It will look at the evolution of Western Music,
from the Middle Ages to present day. Not only will it cover why our music today
sounds the way it does, but it will also explore the power of music in one's everyday
life.
- Q: What is Blackboard?
A: It is a system that we have on campus to complement the lecture, online or distance
education classes. It is simple to use and instructions will be given the first day of
class for all students unfamiliar with it.
- Q: What other benefits are there to taking this course?
A: Many students are surprised by how this class affects their personal or family life.
Often spouses have found something new to share, a reason to go out without the
children, while others open a whole new world of music to their children, making
bedtime, study time and car time a whole new experience!
- Q: What are the grades based on?
A: There will be three exams (300 pts), four reports (400 pts.), in-class and email assignments (150 pts), pop quizzes (50 pts.), and in-class listening journals (100 pts.).
- Q: Is one allowed to do extra credit projects?
A: There are no extra credit projects in this class. This class is designed with enough diversity among the points given to help all types of learners succeed.
- Q: What do I need to prepare for class besides the class materials?
A: A curious mind and a love of music!
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
top ⇑
Music 221 - 35 Music History I (Online Course)
Music History is a required course for all music majors, no matter what the discipline. This is a one-year online course divided into two semesters. The first semester covers Western music from the Medieval Period through the Baroque Period. The second semester covers the Classical Period through to today's Modern music.
For non-music majors and music lovers, this course provides a more in-depth view into the history of Western music than the introductory course of Music Appreciation. Non-music majors can choose whichever history period they wish to study, or both semesters for that matter.
Come delve into the past, learn the musical traditions and let that knowledge carry you through a lifetime of enlightened musical appreciation.
Course Materials
To be purchased at the College Bookstore:
OnMusic History Survey Access Card
The Music History I CD-ROM will be sent to you from the Distance Education office.
Getting Started
High speed internet access is required for this course.
Please go to the course information website (MUS 221-35) located on your NRCC Blackboard page. Read everything thoroughly.
Register the OnMusic History Survey access card.
Once you are in the course, make sure that you run a software check found under Contents & Assignments.
If you have any technical problems, please consult Technical Support with the OnMusic History course site.
I will send all communications to you at your NRCC email address, so please make sure that you check your email regularly. Other messages will appear under Announcements on the course site.
If there are any questions that arise other than technical ones, feel free to contact me at (540) 674-3600 ext.4351 or email me at lbillaud@nr.edu.
I look forward to working with you!
top ⇑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why would I want to take this class?
A: This class is designed for both the novice and the student who already has taken
Music Appreciation. This study of the History of Music takes the student on a more
in-depth path to overall music appreciation.
- Q: If I plan on being a music major, will this class fulfill some of my future course
requirements?
A: Absolutely. All music majors need History of Music I and II
- Q: Are these credits transferable?
A: Yes. These credits are transferable and will apply towards humanities credits or
towards the requirements for a music degree.
- Q: Why take these courses at New River?
A: New River Community College has been a leader in distance education and online
courses. This particular online course is supported by an instructor who is passionate
and knowledgeable about music and wants to instill that same passion and knowledge
to her students through the interactive forum of online education.
- Q: Who is this class designed for?
A: This class is designed for both music majors and the student who feels comfortable
working online and who needs the convenience of taking a course outside of the
normal lecture time due to work related, family or physical restraints.
- Q: Do I need to come on campus for any part of the course?
A: No. Once the course materials have been picked up, all the coursework is done
online.
- Q: What course materials do I need?
A: The student needs to acquire the Course Access Card for OnMusic History Survey from the Bookstore at NRCC. Distance Education will mail to you the Music History I CD-ROMs which will be used for the discussion forums. Please make sure that your current address is on file with the college.
- Q: Does it cost anything for the Distance Education CD-ROMs?
A: Not at all!
- Q: Can I use the same OnMusic History Access Card for both Music History I and
Music History II?
A: Yes!
- Q: Do I need to take these classes in a specific order?
A: No. One can take them in whatever order that is convenient.
- Q: How often are these courses offered?
A: MUS 221-35 is offered every Fall Semester and MUS 222-35 is offered every Spring
Semester.
- Q: What do I do once I have the OnMusic History Survey Access Card?
A: Register it, enter the course, and go to Contents & Assignments on the Home Page. Just work your way through!
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
top ⇑
MUS 222-35 Music History II (Online Course)
Music History is a required course for all music majors, no matter what the discipline. This is a one-year online course divided into two semesters. The first semester covers Western music from the Medieval Period through the Baroque Period. The second semester covers the Classical Period through to today's Modern music.
For non-music majors and music lovers, this course provides a more in-depth view into the history of Western music than the introductory course of Music Appreciation. Non-music majors can choose whichever history period they wish to study, or both semesters for that matter.
Come delve into the past, learn the musical traditions and let that knowledge carry you through a lifetime of enlightened musical appreciation.
Course Materials
To be purchased at the College Bookstore:
OnMusic History Survey Access Card
The Music History II CD-ROM will be sent to you from the Distance Education office.
top ⇑
Getting Started
High speed internet access is required for this course.
Please go to the course information website (MUS 222-35) located on your NRCC Blackboard page. Read everything thoroughly.
Register the OnMusic History Survey access card.
Once you are in the course, make sure that you run a software check found under Contents & Assignments.
If you have any technical problems, please consult Technical Support with the OnMusic History course site.
I will send all communications to you at your NRCC email address, so please make sure that you check your email regularly. Other messages will appear under Announcements on the course site.
If there are any questions that arise other than technical ones, feel free to contact me at (540) 674-3600 ext.4351 or email me at lbillaud@nr.edu.
I look forward to working with you!
top ⇑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Why would I want to take this class?
A: This class is designed for both the novice and the student who already has taken
Music Appreciation. This study of the History of Music takes the student on a more
in-depth path to overall music appreciation.
- Q: If I plan on being a music major, will this class fulfill some of my future course
requirements?
A: Absolutely. All music majors need History of Music I and II
- Q: Are these credits transferable?
A: Yes. These credits are transferable and will apply towards humanities credits or
towards the requirements for a music degree.
- Q: Why take these courses at New River?
A: New River Community College has been a leader in distance education and online
courses. This particular online course is supported by an instructor who is passionate
and knowledgeable about music and wants to instill that same passion and knowledge
to her students through the interactive forum of online education.
- Q: Who is this class designed for?
A: This class is designed for both music majors and the student who feels comfortable
working online and who needs the convenience of taking a course outside of the
normal lecture time due to work related, family or physical restraints.
- Q: Do I need to come on campus for any part of the course?
A: No. Once the course materials have been picked up, all the coursework is done
online.
- Q: What course materials do I need?
A: The student needs to acquire the OnMusic History Access Card from the Bookstore. Make sure that your correct address is on file with the college, because Distance Education will send you the Music History II CD-ROMs used for the Discussion Forums to that address.
- Q: Does it cost anything for the Distance Education CD-ROMs?
A: Not at all!
- Q: Can I use the same OnMusic History Access Card for both Music History I and Music History II?
A: Yes!
- Q: Do I need to take these classes in a specific order?
A: No. One can take them in whatever order that is convenient.
- Q: How often are these courses offered?
A: MUS 221-35 is offered every Fall Semester and MUS 222-35 is offered every Spring
Semester.
- Q: What do I do with the OnMusic History Access Card once I have it?
A: Register it, enter the course, and go to Contents & Assignments on the Home Page. Just work your way through!
- Q: How do I pronounce the instructor's name “Billaud”?
A: Very easy! Say the letter “B” and then “yo”. Put them together and now you are
speaking French!
top ⇑
