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

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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.

More About 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 tries to answer the question, “When did music begin?” and trace its journey through history until modern day. Through text-based lessons, construction and use of simple instruments, and challenge activities, homeschool students explore the progression of music from primitive instruments through contemporary popular music. A suggested reading list encourages homeschool students to further their study beyond course.