African American Music

Unit 1 – African Musical Roots and Diaspora

Unit 2 – Slave Era Music: Work Songs & Spirituals

Unit 3 – The Emergence of Blues and Ragtime

Unit 4 – The Birth and Evolution of Jazz

Unit 5 – Harlem Renaissance & Swing's Emergence

Unit 6 – Gospel Music in the Black Church

Unit 7 – R&B and the Birth of Rock and Roll

Unit 8 – Soul Music in the Civil Rights Movement

Unit 9 – Funk, Disco, and the 1970s

Unit 10 – Hip-Hop: Origins and Early Development

Unit 11 – Contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop Trends

Unit 12 – African American Music's Global Impact

## What do you learn in African American Music

African American Music covers the historical development and cultural significance of various musical genres rooted in African American traditions. You'll explore styles like blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and their influences on popular music. The course delves into key artists, musical innovations, and the social contexts that shaped these genres.

## Is African American Music hard?

African American Music isn't typically considered a tough course, but it does require active listening and engagement. The difficulty often comes from the sheer volume of content covered, spanning centuries of musical evolution. If you're not used to analyzing music or discussing cultural contexts, it might take some adjustment. But overall, most students find it pretty manageable and enjoyable.

## Tips for taking African American Music in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create playlists for each genre studied to familiarize yourself with the sounds
3. Watch documentaries like "The Blues" series or "Hip-Hop Evolution" for visual context
4. Practice identifying musical elements (e.g., call-and-response in gospel)
5. Attend live performances of African American music styles when possible
6. Read artist biographies to understand their influences and impact
7. Discuss the music with classmates to gain different perspectives
8. Use mnemonic devices to remember key dates and figures (e.g., "Satchmo" for Louis Armstrong)

## Common pre-requisites for African American Music

Introduction to Music Theory: This course covers the basics of reading music, understanding rhythm, and analyzing musical structure. It provides a foundation for discussing musical elements in African American genres.

American History Survey: This class gives an overview of U.S. history from colonial times to the present. It provides crucial context for understanding the social and cultural factors that influenced African American music.

## Classes similar to African American Music

Jazz History: Focuses on the development of jazz from its roots to modern styles. You'll study key artists, improvisation techniques, and jazz's cultural impact.

Hip-Hop Culture: Examines hip-hop as a cultural movement, including its music, dance, visual art, and social significance. You'll explore its evolution from block parties to global phenomenon.

World Music: Surveys musical traditions from various cultures around the globe. You'll learn about instruments, styles, and cultural contexts of music from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and more.

Popular Music in America: Traces the evolution of popular music in the U.S. from the early 20th century to today. You'll study various genres, industry trends, and music's role in shaping American culture.

## Majors related to African American Music

Music: Focuses on the study and performance of music across various genres and styles. Students develop skills in music theory, history, and performance.

Ethnomusicology: Examines music in its cultural context, combining elements of anthropology and musicology. Students study diverse musical traditions and their social significance.

African American Studies: Explores the history, culture, and experiences of African Americans. Students analyze literature, art, politics, and social movements related to the African American experience.

Cultural Studies: Investigates how cultural practices shape and are shaped by social, political, and economic forces. Students examine various forms of media, art, and popular culture.

## What can you do with a degree in African American Music?

Music Journalist: Write about music for magazines, websites, or newspapers. You'll review albums, interview artists, and analyze music trends.

Music Producer: Work with artists to create and refine their sound in the studio. You'll oversee recording sessions, mix tracks, and help shape the overall musical vision.

Music Educator: Teach music in schools, universities, or community programs. You'll design curricula, lead ensembles, and help students develop their musical skills and knowledge.

Arts Administrator: Manage music-related organizations like concert venues, festivals, or record labels. You'll handle budgets, coordinate events, and develop promotional strategies.

## African American Music FAQs

How much musical experience do I need for this course? You don't need to be a musician, but basic familiarity with musical terms helps. The course is designed for students with varying levels of musical background.

Will we learn to play African American music styles? This course focuses more on history and analysis than performance. However, some instructors might incorporate hands-on elements like rhythm exercises or simple instrument demonstrations.

How does this course relate to current popular music? You'll see how African American musical traditions have shaped contemporary pop, hip-hop, and R&B. The course often draws connections between historical styles and current chart-toppers.

Performing Arts

1.2 The Middle Passage and preservation of cultural practices

1.3 Early African American musical forms in the New World

1.1 African musical traditions and instruments

2.1 Function and characteristics of work songs

2.3 Coded messages and resistance in slave music

2.2 Development and significance of spirituals

3.1 Origins and early forms of the blues

3.2 Ragtime: style, composers, and social context

3.3 The impact of recording technology on African American music

4.1 New Orleans and the origins of jazz

4.2 Key figures and innovations in early jazz

4.3 The Jazz Age and the spread of jazz across America

4.4 Bebop and the modernization of jazz

5.1 The cultural significance of the Harlem Renaissance

5.3 Notable African American bandleaders and musicians

5.2 Big band era and the popularity of swing

6.1 The roots of gospel in spirituals and hymns

6.2 Gospel's musical characteristics and performance styles

6.3 Influential gospel artists and their impact on popular music

7.2 Early rock and roll and its African American pioneers

7.3 The influence of R&B on mainstream popular music

7.1 The emergence of R&B from jazz and blues

8.3 Soul music as a voice for civil rights and social change

8.2 Motown and the 'Sound of Young America'

8.1 The development of soul music from R&B and gospel

9.1 The evolution of funk from soul and R&B

9.2 Disco's roots in soul and funk

9.3 Key artists and cultural impact of funk and disco

10.1 Origins of hip-hop in the Bronx

10.2 The four elements of hip-hop culture

10.3 Pioneering hip-hop artists and early recordings

10.4 The rise of gangsta rap and political hip-hop

11.2 Neo-soul and its connection to earlier soul styles

11.1 The evolution of R&B in the digital age

11.3 Diversification and global impact of modern hip-hop

12.1 African American music's impact on world music genres

12.2 Cultural exchange and fusion in the 21st century

12.3 The legacy and ongoing evolution of African American music

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