Listening Assignments are to be short (1 paragraph per song) reviews about the works you select from the below list. 2. Attend class lectures, read the book and listen to the music before completing the assignments. 3. Don’t blindly write about something you don’t understand! Dig deeper, really interpret the music and then support your interpretation. Describe what you hear but don’t stop there because description is not analysis (and do not use flowery language to fill up space!!) 4. Required: Include the following information with each song/work you write about: a. Complete Title b. Composer’s Name c. Genre d. Time Period 5. Consider the following: a. How can I describe the music? Use words such as pitch, range, dynamics, duration, timbre, melody, harmony, texture……etc. b. Point out interesting sounds, instruments, word painting, etc. c. Most importantly, what is your opinion? d. Remember, we listen to music on 3 levels: physical, emotional and intellectual. e. Do not include information about the composer, the dates of the composition or anything else “historical”. The idea is for you to write about what you hear, feel and think about the music. f. Use correct grammar and your best writing skills.

Below is an example of a listening analysis for William Byrd’s song, Sing Joyfully. I wrote this as if it were the first time I heard it. Additionally, I’ve highlighted/underlined the music terms used, but please do not highlight yours!

The first time I listened to Sing Joyfully by William Byrd, I couldn’t follow the words and music at the same time because the sounds were confusing. I listened to the song again and used the listening guide which made it much easier to understand the words. Additionally, I learned the genre is an anthem with a bright and joyful timbre and this was from the Renaissance period. When “Blow the Trumpet” is sung, it does have a fanfare effect which I thought was especially clever. The tempo was moderately fast and there was not a vast range in dynamics however, there was a wide range in voices from very high to very low. I am glad I listened to this song and enjoyed learning how to listen to layered, polyphonic, sounds.