This web page and its associated links serve as a communication site for MUH 2019 at the University of Central Florida. Posted here are various information pages, assignments, study guides, and links to useful web sites. Students in MUH 2019 are free to print any of these pages for their own use in the course.
Syllabus - Overview of the course, grading policies, etc.
Daily Assignments - A complete list of all specific assignments, class announcements, and other reminders in chronological order
American Popular Music from Minstrelsy to MP3 (4th ed.)
The publisher-supported web site that accompanies the textbook required for this course. Remember that we are using the most recent fourth edition. Included here are Chapter Outlines that will help you organize your reading and studying, Key Terms and Review Questions (from the publisher) that will highlight important information in each chapter, and other resources and links to external web sites that support this textbook and course. Also see the Audio Tracks for the Appendix and the link to iMix for purchasing additional examples for thes course.
Use these sheets to prepare for MUH 2019 Tests.
- Basic Music Terminology
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
Chapter 10(not tested on Final Exam)Chapter 11(not tested on Final Exam)Chapter 12(not tested on Final Exam)Chapter 13(not tested on Final Exam)Chapter 14(not tested on Final Exam)Chapter 15(not tested on Final Exam)
PowerPoint Slides from Class Lectures
For Those without Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer, there are at least two free alternatives available for downloading from the web:
- Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer will allow you to read PowerPoint slides, but not to edit them.
- Open Office is an "open source" application that is compatible with Microsoft applications. Use Apache OpenOffice "Impress" to view Microsoft PowerPoint slides.
One of several web sites that provides printed lyrics to many popular songs.Urban Dictionary
A somewhat useful web site for clarifying the meaning of recent (and earlier) slang words and expressions, especially those with possible sexual connotations.
The Cleveland-based institute dedicated to educating visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. See "inductees" (on the menu bar across the upper part of the screen) for a list of some of the most important figures in the history of rock and related styles of music. Click on indivdual names for biographical sketches and additional information.Country Music Hall of Fame
See the list of inductees (menu at ther left) or use the search window at the top (use the word "rock") to find individuals who might be important to the history of rock 'n roll and related sounds.Rockabilly Hall of Fame
A web site devoted to the early crossing of country with other styles including swing, boogie-woogie, and the blues. Many links to additional information and even sound files.Blues Hall of Fame
Web site of a planned museum devoted to the blues. Chiefly lists of important blues performers, some with links to additional external resources.
The accompanying website of a general Music Appreciation textbook. Access the support pages for Chapter 1 for basic definitions and other information about music terminology. Look especially at "Fundamentals" and the "Glossary" (both accessed via the menu at the upper left) for explanations and definitions of music terms.Craig Wright, Listen to Music, 5th ed.
A web site to accompany another general Music Appreciation textbook. Use the pull-down menu to access the exercises and quizzes for Chapters 2 through 6, which cover the basics of music terminology.Roger Kamien, Music: An Appreciation, 10th ed.
Yet another web site that accompanies a third general Music Appreciation textbook. Use the "Glossary" (menu at the upper left) for definitions and the "Part 1" exercises and other activites (via the pull-down menu at the upper left) for more detailed information on music terminology.
A web page on the University of Virginia's website for Uncle Tom's Cabin that includes extensive examples of images, music (streaming audio), dialogues and comic routines, and contemporaneous reviews of and other commentary on Minstrelsy."Blackface Minstrelsy" (UVA Mark Twain)
A web page on the University of Virginia's "Mark Twain" website that illustrates the nature of minstrelsy and how it might have influenced Twain's writings, especially Huckleberry Finn. The page includes examples of a few Minstrel show comic routines in dialect.
The web site that accompanied the PBS television program about Stephen Foster. Under the "Special Features" (menu at the left) there is extensive information about Foster's life and music. See especially the links to the "Timeline" that gives an outline of Foster's life, information on "Blackface Minstrelsy", and "Foster the Songwriter", which includes a pop-up window with links to numerous streaming audio examples of his music (also see the "Gallery" for sheet music and audio examples of his music).
These pages are maintained as part of the "American Memory" section of the US Library of Congress's web site, and they feature numerous essays on bands an band music the mid-19th century, as well as photographs and music examples.Federal City Brass Band
A web site for a contemporary group that recreates Civil-War era band music, with links to many similar groups.The Allentown Band
Home page of the Allentown (PA) Band, the oldest continuously operating civilian band in the US.John Philip Sousa
Wikipedia page on this famous band leader."The President's Own" US Marine Band (bad link?)
Official web site of the US Marine Band. It includes extensive information about the band and its history, as well as free downloads of its recordings.
An introductory essay on the origins of Tin Pan Alley, published by "The Parlor Songs Academy."
The Library of Congress's Performing Arts Encyclopedia web site for this topic. In addition to a general essay on "The History of Ragtime", there are are also links to biographies of Ragtime composers (such as Scott Joplin), a description of the "Classic Rag" (Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag), complete with sound examples, and similar resources.The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation (bad link?)
Web site of of a group that promotes interest in Ragtime and especially the music of Scott Joplin. The foundation sponsors an annual fesetival of Regtime in Sedalia, MO, where Joplin was active for several years.
A Library of Congress special web presentation about the inventor of disc recording devices, including digitized samples of early recordings.
The Wikipedia page on the history of radio broadcasting from its origins until it was superceded by television in the 1950s."Sound Film"
The Wikipedia page on the history of motion pictures with synchronized sound.
A brief overview of the dance crazes that began the 20th century.
A good introduction to the leading dance team of the 1910s-20s. Also see the links at the end of this essay to descriptions of the dances popular in the early 20th century.
A web site devoted to the history of early jazz and "pre-jazz," chiefly in the years 1895-1920. Many good basic biographies here, including such pioneering figures as James Reese Europe."Shuffle Along"
The liner notes to New World Records NW 260, a full-length recording of this important show. The liner notes offer a detailed histroy of the show and its reception, and the lyrics to all songs in the show.
An overview of this important bandleader and his orchestra, and many streaming audio examples of their recordings.
A good introduction to the most impportant American song composer of the 20th century."Walter Donaldson"
The official web site of one of Tin Pan Alley's best and most famous song composers. Includes many streaming audio examples of his music."George Gershwin (Wikipedia)"
A good overview of the life and music of the composer of Porgy and Bess."Jerome Kern (Wikipedia)"
An excellent overview of the life of the composer of Show Boat."Cole Porter (Wikipedia)"
Another good overview of a leading American song composer."Rodgers and Hart (Wikipedia)"
An overview article about this important song-writing team. Also see the links to the articles about each member of the team.
An excellent history of Black Swan Records, one of the most important "race record" companies in the early twentieth century. As part of the "Red Hot Jazz Archiv," this essay includes links to many streaming examples of Black Swan's recordings.
The "All Music" web site for a multi-disc collection of original blues recordings in all styles. Includes brief streaming excerpts from all tracks of the entire set."The Classic Blues... and the Women who Sang Them"
A written history of the "Classic Blues" with information on both the precursor forms and genres, and the women who sang in this style.
Web site of the Memphis-based organization devoted to the preservation of the blues. The Foundation also sponsors the Blues Hall of Fame (see the second link at the top left). Look for the "List of Inductees" to find information on Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Robert Johnson (all members of the 1980 Blues Hall of Fame Inductees)."Acoustic, Folk and Country Blues in the 21st Century"
A web site devoted to contemporary performers who carry on the tradition of old time Blues. Includes many biographies and sound samples from today's blues musicians.
Web site of the Nashville-based non-profit Country Music Foundation, whose mission is "to identify and preserve the evolving history and traditions of country music and to educate its audiences." Use the link to "Inductees" (under "Learn" on the first menu bar) to search for information on country music legends like the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, and Ralph Peer."The Official Woody Guthrie Website"
A web site maintained by Guthrie's heirs. Includes extensive biographical information, lyrics to all of his songs, and a few sound files, among other materials.
Home page of a web site devoted to the history of the "Swing Era." Includes background essays on the era, the dances, the ballrooms, and some of the leading musicians who played this style."Benny Goodman"
The official website of the first "King of Swing," with extensive biography, background and other information. Streaming music examples are available on the site's home page."Kansas City : A Wide Open Town"
A web page in support of Ken Burns' film, Jazz, with an extended essay on jazz in Kansas City in the 1930s. Includes a few audio excerpts."Glenn Miller"
The official web site for arguably the most popular big band leader of the era."Duke Ellington"
The official web site of the "Duke Ellington Orchestra," the ensemble that Ellington founded and which continues to perform his music. Includes biographical and background information on the Duke.
An overview of the publishing firm co-founded by Roy Acuff that helped to establish the Country music business in Nashville.Gene Autry.com
The "official website for America's favorite singing cowboy.""In memory of Roy Rogers"
A lengthy biography of the "King of the Cowboys."Bob Wills
Official site maintained by the "Bob Wills Heritage Foundation. Follow the link on the home page to "Bobwillsradio.com" to listen to an extensive library of Wills' recordings.
A web site (last.fm) that provides free streaming examples of music by Machito and simlar performers.
History of the oldest U.S. music licensing agency on ASCAP's own web site.BMI
Web site of the second important licensing agency for music in the U.S.
A good essay on payola and how it affected radio broadcasting in the 1950s.Les Paul Foundation
A web site that supports the legacy of musician and inventor Les Paul. Follow the "About Les Paul" link for biographical information and the "Science Friday" link for a brief radio prgoram about Les Paul's invention."The Invention of the Electric Guitar"
On online exhibit by the Smithsonian Institute about the creation of the popular instrument of the later 20th century.
An extensive biography and discussion of the most important of the post-World War II singers.Nat "King" Cole (Wikipedia)
A detailed discussion of the most important African-American singer to cross over to the pop charts in the 1950s.
A well-made web site with a lengthy "biography" and numerous streaming "songs", among other features.Louis Jordan (official site)
Extensive information, song lyrics, etc., for one of the most important R&B or "jump" performers of the late 1940s.Bill Monroe
An outstanding web site devoted to "The Father of Bluegrass" and the musical style he developed. Includes streaming music.Hank Williams (American Masters)
Web site to accompany a documentary about this iconic country music star.
"Official Website of the Disc Jockey Who Coined the Phrase 'Rock 'n'Roll'.”
Probably the most widely watched source of free videos currently on the web.iTunes
A commercial web site hosted by Apple where you can purchase all songs used with American Popular MusicMSN Music
Another commercial web site where you can purchase all songs used with American Popular Music. Search by either performers or titles. Brief samples provided of most tracks.nuTsie
A commercial web site that covers most popular styles of music. Allows extensive streaming and downloading of videos and sound files. Search by artists or by categories of styles.Grooveshark
"Grooveshark is the world's largest on-demand music streaming and discovery service. Over 30 million users flock to Grooveshark to listen to their favorite music, create playlists, discover new tunes, and share it all with friends via Facebook, Twitter, social news sites, and more."Pandora
"Pandora is a streaming music web site that uses the 'Music Genome Project' to identify and play music similar to songs and styles that listeners already like.
The website established for a special topics course in American music. See the many external links to such topics as African-American Music, Minstrelsy, Ragtime, Blues, and numerous other related genres.