What to Listen for in Music
by Aaron Copland · first published 1939
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In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring readers a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.
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…theory can be hard, but it doesn't have to be. I know, because I do it almost every day (its my day job). To make it relatable, you have to tie it into the elements of music-- for this, I use Copland's "What to Listen for in Music". Once students can generally grasp and talk specifically about Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, and Tone Color, you can relate the music theory to it. I have about 200 6th-8th graders that are able to perform…
on “Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People” ↗"Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy "What to Listen For in Music" by Aaron Copland
on “Ask HN: Great books you read in 2009?” ↗Aaron Copland's "What to Listen For in Music" is a great primer! I think most people fall into a Passive Listening model when getting into symphonic or chamber music. The book suggested above would certainly push an average listener closer to an…
on “Ask HN: What Skills to Acquire in 2020?” ↗I once read Aaron Copeland's What to Listen for In Music. Very good.
on “Six Recent Studies Show an Unexpected Increase in Classical Music Listening” ↗