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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Lincoln M Ballard
MUSIC 121
Seattle Campus

The Orchestra

Development of the orchestra and its literature.

Class description

Students will explore the history and repertoire of the Western orchestra from its pre-Baroque origins to the present day. Representative works and composers will be discussed in some detail, as will the instruments of the orchestra and the performance practices applicable to each era. Students will learn to distinguish between the styles and genres of art music throughout a 300-year span.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Lecture style: Close listening to and discussion of musical examples. A/V examples

Recommended preparation

Close listening, an open mind (and ears!), and the willingness to participate in class discussion. No prior knowledge of music or music history is required or assumed, but any that you have can only benefit you. The ability to read music notation is NOT required.

Class assignments and grading

Light reading. Weekly listening and three (3) written assignments.

Quality of written work, class participation (attendance required), and final exam. Some extra credit points will be possible.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Class Website
Last Update by Lincoln M Ballard
Date: 05/31/2005