Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist - A Book Review
# Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist ## Introduction - What is contemporary musicianship and why is it important for music students and professionals? - What are the main goals and features of the book Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist by Jennifer Sterling Snodgrass? - How does the book combine traditional music theory and analysis with music history, popular culture, and composition? ## Chapter 1: The Basics of Music Theory - What are the fundamental elements of music, such as pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures? - How are these elements used to create melodies, harmonies, and musical structures? - What are some examples of musical genres and styles that use these elements in different ways? ## Chapter 2: The Art of Listening - What are the skills and strategies for active listening and critical thinking in music? - How can listeners identify and analyze musical forms, genres, styles, techniques, and devices? - What are some examples of musical works from classical and popular music that illustrate different aspects of listening and analysis? ## Chapter 3: The Art of Writing - What are the principles and methods of writing about music in academic and professional contexts? - How can writers use research, citation, style, grammar, and vocabulary to communicate effectively and ethically about music? - What are some examples of writing assignments and projects that require musical knowledge and analysis? ## Chapter 4: The Art of Composition - What are the creative processes and techniques for composing original music in various genres and styles? - How can composers use musical elements, forms, devices, and influences to express their ideas and emotions through music? Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist
If you are a music student or a music professional, you might wonder what contemporary musicianship is and why it matters. Contemporary musicianship is the ability to understand, appreciate, and create music in various contexts and genres, using both traditional and modern tools and techniques. It is a skill that can help you succeed in the music industry, as well as enrich your personal and cultural life.
Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist download pdf
One of the best resources to learn and practice contemporary musicianship is the book Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist by Jennifer Sterling Snodgrass. This book is designed for popular music, jazz, and music business/industry students, but it can also benefit anyone who wants to improve their musical knowledge and skills. The book presents traditional music theory and analysis in an innovative way, combining music history, popular culture, and composition. It also includes real-life scenarios that show you how to think like industry musicians.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the main topics and features of the book, as well as some examples of musical works and activities that illustrate them. We hope that this article will inspire you to read the book and explore the fascinating world of contemporary musicianship.
Chapter 1: The Basics of Music Theory
The first chapter of the book introduces you to the fundamental elements of music theory, such as pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures. These elements are the building blocks of music, and they can help you understand how music works and how it communicates meaning and emotion.
The chapter explains how these elements are used to create melodies, harmonies, and musical structures. It also shows you how different musical genres and styles use these elements in different ways. For example, you will learn how rock music uses power chords, how jazz music uses complex chords and scales, and how pop music uses catchy hooks and chord progressions.
Some of the examples of musical works that illustrate the basics of music theory are:
Fur Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven: a classical piano piece that uses a simple melody and harmony based on the A minor scale.
Yesterday by The Beatles: a pop song that uses a melody based on the pentatonic scale and a harmony based on the F major key signature.
Take Five by Dave Brubeck: a jazz piece that uses a melody based on the D minor mode and a harmony based on the E flat minor key signature. It also uses an unusual meter of 5/4.
Chapter 2: The Art of Listening
The second chapter of the book teaches you the skills and strategies for active listening and critical thinking in music. Active listening means paying attention to what you hear and analyzing it with your ears and your mind. Critical thinking means evaluating what you hear and forming your own opinions and judgments about it.
The chapter shows you how to identify and analyze musical forms, genres, styles, techniques, and devices. Musical form is the way music is organized into sections or parts. Musical genre is the category or type of music based on its characteristics or conventions. Musical style is the distinctive or unique way of making music within a genre or period. Musical technique is the skill or method of playing or singing music. Musical device is a feature or element that creates a specific effect or impression in music.
Some of the examples of musical works that illustrate the art of listening are:
Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven: a classical symphony that uses a four-movement form (sonata-allegro, theme and variations, scherzo-trio, rondo) and a motif (short musical idea) that connects all the movements.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen: a rock song that uses a complex form (intro-verse-ballad-guitar solo-opera-rock-outro) and various styles (ballad, opera, rock) within one song.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin: a jazz piece that uses a rhapsody form (free-flowing structure with contrasting sections) and blends classical and jazz elements (orchestra, piano soloist, blues scale, syncopation, etc.).
Chapter 3: The Art of Writing
The third chapter of the book shows you the principles and methods of writing about music in academic and professional contexts. Writing about music is a way of communicating your ideas, opinions, and insights about music to others. It can also help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of music.
The chapter teaches you how to use research, citation, style, grammar, and vocabulary to write effectively and ethically about music. Research means finding and using reliable sources of information about music. Citation means acknowledging and referencing the sources of information you use in your writing. Style means choosing the appropriate tone, format, and structure for your writing. Grammar means following the rules and conventions of the language you write in. Vocabulary means using the correct and precise words to express your musical concepts and terms.
Some of the examples of writing assignments and projects that require musical knowledge and analysis are:
A concert review: a short essay that describes and evaluates a live musical performance.
A song analysis: a detailed essay that examines the musical elements, form, genre, style, technique, and device of a song.
A musical biography: a comprehensive essay that tells the life story and achievements of a musical artist or composer.
Chapter 4: The Art of Composition
The fourth chapter of the book introduces you to the creative processes and techniques for composing original music in various genres and styles. Composing music is a way of expressing your ideas and emotions through music. It can also help you develop your musical skills and imagination.
The chapter shows you how to use musical elements, forms, devices, and influences to create your own music. Musical elements are the basic components of music, such as pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures. Musical forms are the ways of organizing music into sections or parts, such as verse-chorus, sonata-allegro, rondo, etc. Musical devices are the features or elements that create a specific effect or impression in music, such as motif, repetition, contrast, variation, etc. Musical influences are the sources or inspirations that shape your musical style or genre, such as other musical works, artists, composers, cultures, etc.
Some of the examples of composition assignments and projects that challenge and inspire musical creativity are:
A melody composition: a short piece that consists of a single melodic line with or without accompaniment.
A song composition: a short piece that consists of lyrics (words) and music (melody and harmony) in a specific genre or style.
A symphony composition: a long piece that consists of multiple movements (sections) for a large ensemble (orchestra) in a classical or modern style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, contemporary musicianship is a valuable skill for anyone who loves music and wants to learn more about it. The book Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist by Jennifer Sterling Snodgrass is an excellent guide to help you master this skill. The book covers the basics of music theory, the art of listening, the art of writing, and the art of composition in an innovative and engaging way. It also includes real-life scenarios and examples from classical and popular music that show you how to apply your musical knowledge and skills in various contexts. Whether you are a music student or a music professional, this book will help you become a better musician and a better listener.
FAQs
What is contemporary musicianship?
Contemporary musicianship is the ability to understand, appreciate, and create music in various contexts and genres, using both traditional and modern tools and techniques.
Who is the author of Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist?
The author of Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist is Jennifer Sterling Snodgrass, an associate professor of music theory at Appalachian State University.
What are the main topics and features of Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist?
The main topics and features of Contemporary Musicianship: Analysis and the Artist are:
The basics of music theory
The art of listening
The art of writing
The art of composition
Real-life scenarios that show how to think like industry musicians
Creative projects and composition opportunities that encourage musical creativity
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