Welcome!

Are you about to start your first music history class?

Are you terrified of memorizing tons of facts, dates, and obscure composers?

Does the thought of a drop-the-needle listening test keep you up at night?

As an instructor of music history, getting my doctorate in musicology, I know many students struggle with these expectations when entering a music history classroom. In my experience music majors are often frightened by music history simply because the format of the class is different than what they’re used to. Music majors are some of the hardest working students you will ever meet. Walk up to any music major and she or he will be able rattle off an insane schedule which includes rehearsal commitments, performances, lessons, and hours in the practice room. While obviously work ethic is not the problem, many college music majors lack the necessary study skills when approaching a humanities-style course like music history. The class requires higher level thinking, fact memorization, and good writing, where many other music classes are often skill- and ability-based.

Never fear!

Just consider this blog to be your own personal music history tutor! While it may seem empty now, over the next few months I will fill the blog with timelines, period overviews, composer profiles, style characteristics, and study tips! These posts will help you understand the concepts and study more efficiently.

Let me know in the comments what types of content you would like to see on this blog!

-Harmonious Historian