Psalms to Symphonies
The Musical History of the West
This upper High-school music history course is designed to lead students in 10th-12th grade, as they examine the development of western music along with the philosophical thoughts and world events that influenced it. Through their studies students will be exposed to major composers of the west and be challenged to consider the role music plays in their own life and in society.
During this 30 week course we will:
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Start with what the Bible say and see what we can learn about music within its pages
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consider why certain philosophers since Plato have considered music powerful enough to shape the character of the listener
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discover music and its historical relationship to poetry and literature
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trace the roots of western music from ancient sources such as the Bible and archeological finds
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become acquainted with the main periods of western art and the musical characteristics of those periods
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meet the major composers of the western world and examine their work along with the events of the world that influenced them
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read primary source documents written by philosophers, theologians, composers and musicians about music
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listen to the music of the western world that has been preserved from 800 A.D. onwards
There are two options that cover the same curriculum. A live, online class option and a self-paced option. Both the self-paced and live class course work is designed to take between 45-60 minutes of active study per day, 4 days a week with additional time spent passively listening to the music of the course while doing other things.
Completing the full 30 weeks could be considered 1 high school credit in Music History/Appreciation and half a credit in Philosophy.
Live-Online Class
It has been our experience that the content of this class is best absorbed when students have an opportunity to discuss what they have read and listened to, and are held accountable for their studies. The online class option provides just such a learning an environment.
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Access to the music history online course content by semester (Semester 1 content is available from 6/1 - 12/31 and Semester 2 content is available from 1/1 - 5/31.)
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Course work is organized as 4 days/week of reading lessons online, listening to music via YouTube links that correspond with the lesson, downloading primary source excerpts to read and writing assignments.
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Once a week class of peers and a tutor for 1.5 hours to discuss the content of the readings, the listening activities and the observation/contemplation questions.* When you register for this option you are registering for 1 semester.
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Semester end creative assignment.
All fall classes will begin the week of August 31st.
There are currently three high school classes times.
Tuesdays 4:30-6 pm EST
Wednesdays 12-1:30 pm EST
Thursdays 10-11:30 am EST
Thursdays 4:30-6 pm EST
Online Self-Paced Course
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Access to the music history online course content by semester (Semester 1 content is available from 6/1 - 12/31 and Semester 2 content is available from 1/1 - 5/31.)
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Course work is organized as 4 days/week of reading lessons online, listening to music via YouTube links that correspond with the lesson, downloading primary source excerpts to read and writing assignments.
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Semester end creative assignment
Are you a Challenge II Tutor?
This course is a perfect way to bring depth and connections to the music element of your class. The Self-Paced option is a perfect way to equip yourself!
If you would like to experience Psalms to Symphonies in a short course with hand picked lessons; consider taking the Music History and Music Philosophy class from Classical Conversations Online Learning Seminars! To learn more click the link below.