ideas for mid-term essay topics

Dear Folks,

  As we discussed last night, I would like if possible for everyone to have a clear idea by next week what they would like to write about for the mid-term essay. The general guidelines are that it should be about twice the size of a term essay--5-8 pages, in other words--and synthesize some ideas and topics from our first term work, creatively and with reference to specific musical instances. Outside research is not forbidden, but mildly discouraged (as so much of it is, alas, baloney); personal experience, intelligently integrated as thought and not opinion, is welcomed.

  Here are some draft possibilities:

1. Discuss the development of a genre of North American (popular) music. Some potential elements to consider: [changes  in] musical form; vocal and performance style; beat feeling; social function; demographics [=who created, participated, was involved]; sound technology; business and economic practice; tradition.

2. Consider the quote at the bottom of page 199: "..the shift in musical marketing away from primarily racial and regional considerations (and their associated class-related aspects) toward primarily generational considerations." Discuss the shift, with attention to demographics, post-war economics, changes in the music business, and musical particulars.

hearing loss

Folks,

  Although this article focuses mostly on classical music and musicians, the message is timely for all:

http://www.bsherman.net/hearingloss.htm

Is performance part of the music business?

The scary thing about this cartoon is how unrealistic it isn't: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11GEx-PyNAc

Minstrelsy - 3 videos

Folks,
  Youtube has three videos that are helpful for understanding Minstrelsy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpAiYoXnd2Y&feature=related [10 minutes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfiNT6AKG0s [5 minutes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQRfgU0Kcjc

a website for Starr/Waterman

Dear Folks,
 
  You may find this website useful. It contains chapter summaries and such for the Starr/Waterman American Popular Music text; see the menu marked "Student Resources"--and. for the stuff *I* plan to steal, "Instructor Resources" (kidding!). Again please note that it is the SECOND edition we're using, not the third!

http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/019530053X/