More About 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.
Course FAQ: What You Need to Know
Q: What grade level is If It Isn’t Baroque…The History of Western Music intended for?
A:The course is designed to engage students across Grades 3–12 through exploration, listening assignments, hands-on activities, and challenge activities.
Q: How long is the curriculum?
A: The course spans 18 weeks, 2 days per week.
Q: Is this a video course or a text-based curriculum?
A: This is a text-based course. Students learn through written lessons, listening assignments, hands-on activities, and research challenges.
Q: What time period does the course cover?
A: The course traces the history of Western music from ancient times through the present day. Students explore music from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Biblical times before progressing through the Medieval period, Renaissance, Baroque, and later periods of music history through modern music.
Q: Do students listen to music as part of the course?
A: Yes. Listening assignments are an important part of the course. Students are encouraged to listen to examples of music from the various time periods and styles they study. Links to these musical references are provided for convenience.
Q: Does the course include hands-on activities?
A: Yes. Students have opportunities to make and explore simple instruments, including instruments inspired by those used in ancient and Biblical times. The course also includes challenge and research activities to encourage students to explore the topics more deeply.
Q: Does the course need to be completed in order?
A: It is recommended to complete the course in order because it progresses chronologically through music history, with later lessons building on concepts and periods introduced earlier.
Q: Can this course be taken independently of Music Theory I & II?
A: Yes. If It Isn’t Baroque…The History of Western Music may be taken independently and does not require completion of Music Theory I & II.
Q: Does the course require previous music experience?
A: No. The course is designed to introduce students to the history and development of music and does not require previous music theory or music-history study.
Q: What types of activities are included?
A: Students participate in a variety of activities, including music listening, instrument construction and exploration, research activities, and challenge activities. These activities are designed to help students understand how music developed and changed throughout history.
Q: Are additional resources provided?
A: Yes. An additional resources file is provided to help students explore course topics further. It includes links to resources that supplement the lessons, as well as musical references and other materials for additional study.
Q: Does the course include a suggested reading list?
A: Yes. A suggested reading list is included in the final lesson to encourage students to continue exploring music history beyond the material presented in the course.
Q: What is the main focus of the course?
A: The course explores the question, “When did music begin?” and follows the development of music from its earliest forms through contemporary music. Students learn how music has changed across cultures and historical periods while exploring different types of music, instruments, and musical practices.
