Popular Music History

This unit (ACO2014) introduces students to the nature and function of musicology, through history and development of western popular music styles from the late 19th century to the early 21st century. Students are encouraged to explore these styles in both academic and practical contexts. The unit covers seminal popular music styles from blues, country and western and jazz through to funk, rock and commercial pop, including relevant sub genres and styles. Popular music styles are examined from aesthetic, historical, local and international perspectives and are illustrated in particular through critical listening of musical works as well as by collaborative musical interpretation. There is an emphasis on the different and complex ways in which music develops stylistically to inform, and form, new musical genres, including aspects of music theory and music production. Students will be encouraged to use and demonstrate knowledge and techniques learned from various styles and eras covered in their own practice and performance routines.