Welcome to Our If It Isn’t Baroque . . . The History of Western Music Homeschool Course

Getting Started with Our If It Isn’t Baroque . . . The History of Western Music Homeschool Course

The If It Isn’t Baroque . . . The History of Western Music homeschool course begins with the study of music in ancient times in Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc., and progresses through Biblical times, Medieval times, the Renaissance, and modern music. Explanations are provided to the homeschool student to differentiate the types of music, and instructions are given to make some of the instruments from ancient and Biblical times. Lessons suggest listening activities for the various types of music and research activities for the homeschool student to explore them more deeply. These homeschool music lessons should be studied in consecutive order, as they progress through time and therefore build on each other. The If It Isn’t Baroque…The History of Western Music course may be taken independently of Music Theory I & II.

Overview

•   12 weeks, 3 days a week
•   Includes text-based lessons and hands-on activities
•   Grades: 3-12

Supplies Needed

Corresponding lessons on SchoolhouseTeachers.com

What to Do

Go to Class Lessons and download the lesson plan and course lessons file. Start with the Day 1 reading assignment. Follow the instructions each day on the lesson plan and check them off when completed.

Course Sample for Our If It Isn’t Baroque . . . The History of Western Music Homeschool Course

To view a full sample of this course, click here.

If It Isn’t Baroque . . .
Lesson One—Where Did Music Begin?

I remember watching a Disney short film called Adventures in Music: Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom when I was a little girl. The animated short film was a light-hearted attempt to depict the origins of western music. Entertaining at best, this little film from 1953 does not do justice to the rich and amazing history of music.

I believe that we are all born musical, but some need a bit more practice. Music can truly connect us all as a people, and experiencing different genres and styles can open our minds to new cultures and ideas. That being said, I must state that there are a variety of scholars who have written articles, books, and papers regarding the origins of music. However, there does not seem to be a universal agreement as to the time or place music began. Some believe music was a response to sounds heard in nature. Others believe music was a form of communication. Some believe it had religious beginnings, and others think music was used for entertainment. However, for the purpose of this curriculum I will simply state that music began when mankind began.