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Street Dance and Hip Hop, 2006.
An overview of the evolution and influence of street dance and hip hop.
2,985 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
Hip hop can be termed as one of the most influential cultural movements of the early 1970's and thereafter. This paper studies the development and influence of hip hop dance: the cultural, sociological and dance style evolution of street dance.
Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
From the Paper
"While many consider the Hip Hop dance to be the most influential phenomenon, Carl S. Taylor and Virgil Taylor (2004) think otherwise. They believe that hip hop street dance phenomenon has taken a back seat. "Throughout the last 25 years, a new form of expression has continually evolved despite the efforts of many in the so-called 'establishment' to minimize its influence on young people. This form of expression that was once limited to urban music and dance has become a widespread form of communication and expression by young people throughout the world."
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Music Therapy and Autistic Children, 2006.
Examines research which deals with the benefits of music therapy among autistic children.
2,181 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 34 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
Researchers agree that there needs to be more research done on the effect of music therapy on autistic children. The paper shows that while case studies tentatively established a link between music therapy and the reduction of disruptive behavior (head-jerking and screaming, for example), more research is needed to establish positively the effects of music therapy on autism in children.
From the Paper
"Using the self-reports of adults with autism, Toigo (1992) argues that music therapy is well suited to assisting individuals with autism.There are very few studies that have examined the effectiveness of music therapy with individuals with autism. Indeed, the music therapy profession itself recognises that there is a need to conduct sound research to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy and, in particular, to develop reliable measures of change that may occurduring intervention (Toolan & Coleman, 1994; Wimpory, Chadwick, & Nash,1995). Some research reports in this area rely on single case studies (Monti, 1985).In others, the intervention procedures and the characteristics of the participants arenot clearly explained (Hairston, 1990;)"
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Piped Music, 2005.
A look at piped music also known as background music and as "muzak".
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
Piped or background music (also known as muzak) is one of the most ubiquitous aspects of modern-day living. It is constantly played in public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, hotels, elevators and is even piped down our telephone when it is put on hold. This paper traces the origin and development of piped music and explores its negative and positive effect on people.
Outline
Origin and Development of Muzak
How Does Background Music Affect People
From the Paper
"In a more wide-ranging study carried out by NOP OMNIBUS in 1998, people were surveyed to determine what they thought about background music played in public places such as shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. The research found that 86% of hard-of-hearing people find muzak annoying; 34% of the general public in the NOP survey expressed their dislike of it while 36% of the general public said that they never notice background music. Age too was found to be an important factor in how a person feels about background music as 45% of the 45-54 year olds surveyed found piped music to be annoying compared to 21% of the 15-24 year olds."
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Sacred Music, 2005.
This paper explains, using examples from ancient religions and from Judaism and Christianity, that sacred music is a way to bolster the message of divine communication.
1,950 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that today sacred music plays a significant role in all the world's religions just as, before there were scriptures, sacred songs in the oral traditions of poets and musicians carried the sacred words to the people. The author points out that Judaism has done a better job of preserving its musical heritage than Christianity because Judaism considers the sacred texts as simultaneously inviolate and yet open to further revelation. The paper contends that Protestant music is generally not considered to be the word of God; in the Catholic Church, the sung mass is increasingly being abandoned along with most of the Church's musical history.
From the Paper
"Before pursuing the issue of this change any further, it becomes necessary to step back a moment an analyze the place and value of music in the Catholic Church and in Judaism as it was before the rather radical stripping of such things from worship. (It might be pointed out that music seems to have retained a more prominent place in Jewish than in Christian worship) In the Catholic Church, music historically had a very strong role. The majority of the common people throughout its history only came to understand the theology of their faith fully through the art of the church. Stainglass windows told stories about the Bible, but it was the mass --a musical ritual-- which explained to them the core ideas about salvation."
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Woodstock, 2005.
This paper discusses Woodstock, a three-day music concert held at Woodstock, New York in August, 1969, which had a profound effect on the young people and their music.
1,790 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that for four days nearly half a million people built their own little nation, established their own cultural rules and survived living in markedly difficult conditions, for the most part with good grace. The author points out that, in spite of a lack of sanitary facilities, food and clean water and in spite of a lot of drug use, there were only two deaths (and two births) at the Woodstock concert. The paper relates that the variety of types of music and kinds of performers brought together at Woodstock was reflected in the diversity of the audience, creating a watershed moment where an entire generation became empowered around issues of dissatisfaction with the status quo, civil rights and a rapidly growing peace movement.
From the Paper
"Sha-Na-Na and Creedence Clearwater Revival were two groups who were opposites in many ways. Sha-Na-Na played their late fifties hit "At the Hop," which had no message at all except "Let's go to the hop!" while Creedence Clearwater Revival sang songs about bullfrogs who shared their wine with others. In the song, it didn't matter that the two people sharing the wine couldn't communicate. They just enjoyed each other's company at whatever level they could. It was an interesting image for Woodstock, where people had to deal with rain and mud, and shared what they had with each other while actively ignoring differences such as race or class."
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The Music of Bob Dylan, 2006.
This paper examines the life and musical accomplishments of legendary singer Bob Dylan, also known as "The Voice of a Generation."
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The writer of the paper analyzes Bob Dylan's rare ability to constantly re-invent himself and his music. This paper supplies a brief biography of the singer, who was born in 1941 as Robert Allen Zimmermann. This paper examines the singer's early career as a folk and protest singer. This paper explores Dylan's flair for topical poetry which made him stand out in New York's fledgling folk movement. This paper discusses the various songs and albums produced and released by Dylan. This paper delves into the various changes the musician went through both personally and professionally, which were expressed in his music. This paper details the events of 1965, in which Dylan embarked on a concentrated, magical and impressive two-year journey of creative musical innovation.
Table of Contents:
Early Career
The Folk and "Protest" Singer
Dylan's Changing Style
Dylan Goes Electric
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Bob Dylan's voice, which has been compared to that of a "sheep in pain" among other not very flattering sounds, is almost certainly an acquired taste. What distinguished the singer from other folkies who aspired to 'make it' in the early sixties, was his astounding song-writing ability. At a time when lyrics of popular songs hardly merited a second thought, Dylan's topical poetry put into song made him stand out in New York's fledging folk movement. Dylan's first ever album was released under the Columbia label in 1962; it was simply titled "Bob Dylan" and contained mostly traditional folk and blues songs. If Dylan did not feel confident enough to introduce his original songs in his first album , he soon overcame the tentativeness. His second album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," released in 1963, contained songs of such breathtaking range and variety that it astounded everyone."
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The Beach Boys, 2006.
This paper examines the music and history behind the legendary American group, the Beach Boys.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper details the rise, fall and rise again of the Beach Boys, one of the most influential rock bands in the U.S. This paper delves into the birth of the Beach Boys which took place in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The original members were brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are known for having invented "California Rock," a style that celebrated and idealized California teen life, which was comprised of surfing, driving and dating. This writer of this paper cites many of the band's musical hits, including "Surfin' Safari," released in 1962, "I Get Around," "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Help Me, Rhonda." In 1968, the Beach Boys became the first American rock band to perform in Russia. This paper also delves into the personal lives of the band members, including Brian Wilson's mental state. During the band's rise to fame, Wilson's ambitions, neuroses and drug intake were on the rise and negatively affecting the band. This paper examines the various reasons behind the band's five year hiatus which began in 1970 and its eventual re-grouping in the 1980s. Despite the positive reviews surrounding the comeback of the Beach Boys, the 1980s would prove to be anything but positive for the band. This paper also touches on the various internal conflicts between the band members. The writer contends and explains why the essence of the band is still popular today.
From the Paper
"Despite the positive comeback, the eighties would be a decade that would prove to be anything but easy and musical. Carl Wilson quit the band to work on his solo career. According to Romanowski, he was the one band member that opposed how the band was reverting to a nostalgic sound instead of moving forward. Romanowski maintains that the band was indeed an "oldies-but-goodies act, albeit an extraordinarily successful one." In 1983, Wilson joined the band again but the year was marked with tragedy as brother Carl drowned. After a short while, Brian left the group again and the band enjoyed another success with the single "Kokomo" without him. In the meantime, Wilson's solo effort did not sell well and in 1994, he was touring with the band again. More troubles lay ahead, however, as Love sued Wilson for defamation of character in 1994."
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Tchaikovsky, 2006.
This well-researched paper details the life and accomplishments of Russian composer and musician Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky.
2,571 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the Romantic period in music, which spanned the majority of the 1800s and was born out of the Classical era. This paper also delves into the personal life and the musical contributions of Tchaikovsky, from his birth in 1840 and up until his suspected suicide 1893. The writer of this paper examines the major events in Tchaikovsky's childhood that both influenced and motivated his music, including the death of his mother when he was just 14. This paper examines Tchaikovsky's musical training which began at the age of 20, against his family's wishes. This paper discusses the various mentors who encouraged his passion for music, including his childhood tutor, Fanny Durbach. The writer also discusses the success and fame that the composer experienced during his lifetime, due in large part to the patronage of a wealthy widow that was fond of his work. This paper delves into the personal life of Tchaikovsky, who kept his homosexuality a secret. It is suspected that Tchaikovsky killed himself to protect the honor of his lover.
From the Paper
"After his mother's death, Tchaikovsky's father sent him to a civil-service/military boarding school where he was expected to study law and spend his career in that line of work. However, at the age of twenty years old, he abandoned his clerk job at the Ministry of Justice, and began to study music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. His family protested fervently, but that mattered not to him, for after witnessing Mozart's Don Giovanni, he knew that he had no choice but to pursue a life dedicated to music. He has a particular knack for improvisation from the start, showing a "rich sense of harmony" and head for dance-rhythms. However, he was noticeably undereducated in the area of music. Basic music theory concepts and works by well-known composers were not necessary for his education to begin, for he frequented the Italian operas that played in Russia, and he had the drive and the passion."
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"Chopin's Letters", 2005.
Reviews the book, "Chopin's Letters", edited by Henryk Opienski.
991 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
"Chopin's Letters", edited by Henryk Opienski, was first published in 1973. The paper shows that the compiled text provides a fuller and more humanizing portrait of the composer Chopin's life over the course of his time in Europe during the 1830s and 1840s than had previously existed for aficionados of Chopin's music. The paper shows that most of the text is drawn from Chopin's letters of this ten-year period, simply because more letters survive from this period of the composer's life.
From the Paper
"The reader does understand why aristocratic approval was so important to Chopin, even if Sand did not. One of the strengths of the book is that enough letters remain from Chopin's early life to give the book some continuity and perspective on the composer's later opinions. Chopin first came to Europe from Warsaw, Poland when he was seventeen years old. He was already famed for his prowess on the piano and talent at composing music. He sought aristocratic patronage and approval, like many composers of slender means and massive talent had in the past, to support his livelihood and to justify leaving his family and homeland."
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Classical Composers, 2006.
An examination of the affect of their environment on the works of eight classical composers.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
Through an analysis of the music of eight Western classical composers, this paper attempts to understand how their various environments influenced their musical output. The eight composers that this paper studies are: Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Richard Wagner, Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, Bela Bartok and George Crumb. The paper chooses to focus on specific compositions to demonstrate how each artist was affected by the events of his life -- from personal situations such as a family crisis, marriage or the loss of a loved one to broader social/cultural developments in his country or the world.
Outline:
Introduction
Johann Sebastian Bach
Joseph Haydn
Richard Wagner
Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky
Claude Debussy
Igor Stravinsky
Bela Bartok
George Crumb
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In Bach's Christ lag in Todesbanden (Church Cantata No. 4), written for Easter Sunday, the hymn melody and its verses are used exclusively throughout the piece. The opening measure, in the style of Buxtehude, Bach's mentor, is followed by seven verses, each having its own musical signature. In this opening measure, one can hear that the music is touched by the sorrows of death, but in the third verse, there is an outpouring of joy. This cantata was written in 1724 during a period in Bach's life that was full of musical expression. However, in 1720, his first wife, Maria Barbara died, and in 1721, Bach married Anna Magdalena Wuelken who bore him thirteen children. Thus, through the music of Cantata No. 4, Bach's sadness over the death of his first wife can be sensed; however, due to his strict religious upbringing, his joy can be sensed in the third verse which reflects his knowledge that his late wife is now with God in Heaven."
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The Great Composers, 2006.
A paper explaining how the music of every composer is shaped by the world in which he lived.
1,447 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the works of the world's greatest composers and looks at how their music was influenced and shaped by the environment in which they lived. The paper explains how classical music of the west breaks down into a handful of major periods and that each great change in musical tastes can be traced back to corresponding developments in society and civilization. Bach and Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven are just a few of the composers discussed in this paper.
From the Paper
"Romanticism differed from the earlier periods because of its appeal to raw emotion. This is not to say that the works of Bach and Hayden are devoid of human feeling. Rather, it is a different kind of emotional response that is being elicited. In a sense the compositions of the Romantic Era ask the listener to suspend reason, and to listen only with the heart. The Nineteenth Century was a time of great change in Europe. The early years of the century had seen the Old Order torn to bits, and a new, and much more completely secular order take its place. Governments now commanded loyalty not on the basis of their leaders' closeness to God, but on the extent to which these leaders tended to embody, or represent, the "national spirit." Wagner's Ring could never be fully understood outside the context of a rampant German nationalism. The newly unified German Empire wanted to demonstrate that it had arisen out of a proud and ancient past. The fact that the Ring is based on old Teutonic Legends is indicative of the extent to which Wagner himself had become enmeshed in the supposedly primal lore of his people - it is Wotan and not Jupiter who occupies center stage. The prominence given to non-Classical legend represents a major break with the Europe of the previous four centuries."
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Jazz, 2005.
An overview of the definition and origins of jazz.
1,214 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Jazz is described as a form of musical improvisation that combines both organization and spontaneity. It is the spontaneous improvisation that separates it from traditional Western music, which is written down in notation as carefully as possible, in order to make sure that it is performed as closely to the composer's intentions as possible. This paper provides a definition of jazz before exploring the origins of this musical genre. The paper examines what makes certain music be regarded as jazz and explores the influence of jazz on other music.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Origins of Jazz
What Makes it Jazz?
The Influence of Jazz
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Even though jazz is a rich mixture of melody, rhythm, harmony and inventive improvisation based on those basics, it has always not been treated with respect by music historians and other experts. For instance, in his book An Illustrated History of Music, the author does not even give jazz a mention. Marc Pincherle seems to have a bias toward traditional Western European styles of music, but Gerard (p. 12) states, "Music does not have to be totally predictable to be beautiful." Jazz may suffer because it is often not written down in notation, and because much of its history is recorded informally."
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The Jazz Roots of "Blast!", 2005.
Examines the influences of jazz and African-American music on the successful musical, "Blast!"
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
"Blast!", the musical, grew from the award-winning drum-and-bugle corps Star of Indiana, founded in 1984 to benefit young people in music education. Star moved beyond its earlier triumphs to bring the power, passion and precision of outdoor pageantry to the stage in a musical performance that is now called "Blast!" This paper shows that by merging drum corps's pageantry, marching precision and instrumental virtuosity with the repertoire, props, costuming, staging, dance moves, and special effects of musical theater, "Blast!" made its world premiere in December of 1999 at the London Apollo Theatre. The paper explores the jazz and African-American roots of this musical.
From the Paper
"Musically, jazz, African music, and Blast! share a number of similarities. All three depend heavily on brass and percussion and incorporate a multitude of instruments, both conventional and unconventional. In traditional African music, persistent and repetitive percussion is the general base for whatever other vocal or instrumental effects may be created against it. Drums, rattles, sticks, stones, iron gongs and bells may all be used separately or simultaneously to produce a series of intricate syncopated rhythms, often very complex in beat and off-beat, and possessing a dynamic drive impelling to body movement."
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For the Love of Music, 2005.
Argues that mainstream music is not always considered good music.
1,533 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at popular, mainstream music and argues that a lot of what is heard on the radio could be considered 'air pollution'. The paper argues that taste in music is subjective and true music lovers will take the time to understand what good music entails, and strive to keep the sense of individuality and creativity that is so rare these days.
From the Paper
"Mainstream hip-hop today bases itself on extravagant videos and concerts containing designer clothing, expensive cars, countless 'hos,' ridiculously large pieces of jewelry (which they call 'bling-bling'), and hugely inflated egos. The only goal is to go platinum, fifty times over, and be as rich and famous as possible. Much of today's hip-hop only reflects the materialistic, egotistical, and greedy producers behind the actual talent, if there is any talent at all. "
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Guillaume Dufay Music from Medieval and Renaissance Music, 2006.
An examination of Guillaume Dufay's music and its origins.
34 words (approx. 0.1 pages), 6942 sources, MLA, $ 17.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks at what Guillaume Dufay's music meant in terms of music history. The author starts with a look at the Gregorian chant from Medieval times which was the main form of sacred music, how it developed and what it gave to modern music. The paper continues with a look at the other forms of music that have developed over the years and contributed to the work of Guillaume Dufay. In particular the author highlights the development of church music in the Renaissance period which, as he points out was the basis for Dufay's music compositions. The author discusses the life and works of Dufay's music as a move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure. The author believes that this helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments in music of the following century. In conclusion the author reminds us that we are lucky to have the musical pieces that have been curated and restored. A number of Dufay's as well as other composers from that era had masterpieces destroyed because of the political climate.
Outline:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Gregorian Chant
Motet
Troubadour Influence
The Development of Musical Notation
Polyphony
Machaut
Guillaume Dufay a Biography
Dufay's Music
Dufay and Faux-bourdon
Dufay's Motets
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Dufay began composing at a time when musical style was in a period of relative stability and changing that style was not readily accepted. Dufay cannot be thought of as one of the great revolutionaries in Western music; the term 'originality' in the classic sense of the word was not familiar to him. This is not to say, however, that Dufay was in any way lacking of originality or he was in any way reactionary. Quite to the contrary, he played an integral role in the development of faux-bourdon and the cyclic mass. He was one of the first composers to handle four-voice texture with any kind of convincing skill before the end of the 15th century. Furthermore, his attempt to move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments of the following century. Dufay's works and compositions have come to be known as the supremely polished works of a long period of slow and serene stylistic change."
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