Perceptual awareness of music

Listening to music is something everyone does. Some people listen to music constantly, while others listen to it
situationally, such as when driving, studying, exercising, or relaxing. Different playlists can be made for these
different tasks. But how carefully and deeply does the listening experience go? This assignment requires you
to delve deeper into one of your favorite songs to maximize appreciation of it through achieving an
understanding of the complexities that go into the creation of your preferred music. In doing so, you will
increase your perceptual awareness, not just for music, but for all things!
Instructions: Choose a musical artist (from any music era). Choose one of his or her main works (songs or
compositions) and listen to the piece so that you can comment on your reaction to the work. Write a 1-2 page
essay about the following:
A brief summary of the background or history of the artist
The meaning of the song you chose
The musical elements being used, with examples
The contribution that the piece has had to the development of music and how it influenced future musi