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Extra Credit Field Research Project
(50 points)
Purpose:
This assignment is intended to promote active listening and a better understanding of the
meaning of a musical performance in its broader context.
Requirements:
Description:
This project is an opportunity to explore your musical world from an intellectual
perspective. Music is a cultural product and is by nature interconnected with many facets
of its cultural environment. Your task is to form an opinion about what a music event
means to the people who experience it, both performers and audience, and to discuss your
interpretation of how the music reflects its cultural setting.
Brief example: What can you say about a street musician on a crowded city block in New
York City? Taking ten minutes to observe his musical activity will lead you to many
questions. Most people will not pay attention to him. Why? Too busy? Superior attitude?
Fear? Some people may drop pocket change into his saxophone case, but continue
walking. Why? They don’t like pennies in their pocket? They like the music? They feel
guilty for walking past the last time? Others will stop and listen, perhaps clapping at the
end of the performance. Why? Tourists? Friends? Impressed by the music?
These kinds of questions are just the tip of the iceberg when you start to analyze a music
event. How about the perspective of the street musician towards his “audience?” What
about the music? Is he playing blues, jazz, pop tunes? Perhaps he plays one tune
repeatedly. Why? Are people more apt to give him money when he plays “When the
Saints Go Marching In” versus “Amazing Grace?” If it is Christmas time, perhaps he
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Grading:
Your grade is based on how thoughtful and well written your report is. You should
describe the music event as well as discuss its meaning. The format of your paper is
flexible, but the content should include the following:
• Description of event, including instruments, performers, setting, etc. (10 points)
• Performer’s perspective, either based on own observations, from interviews or
outside literature. (10 points)
You may select a specific music event, or broaden your understanding of a musical
phenomenon by attending more than one event. These can be bar bands, church choirs,
concert performances, recitals, etc. Anywhere you find music activity is acceptable, as
long as it is LIVE. Much can be, and has been, written about MTV, Muzak, the recording
Important:
Be mindful of appropriate behavior. For example, writing notes and constantly turning
pages in the middle of a “classical” recital is inappropriate behavior. Observe and write
notes AFTER the concert is finished or during applause. Likewise, snapping photographs
