Popular Music History: Pop, Rock & Dance in the 20th Century from Udemy

Tired of not knowing which bands/genres your friends are talking about? Or are you trying to find inspiration for your new musical style?

This course will guide you through the history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, from Blues to Nirvana, and everything in between.

With curated Spotify playlists included, never again will you not have something to say when a conversation strikes up about music; you’ll be armed with musical trivia, facts, and knowledge of the key historical events that influenced iconic genres and artists.

Spotted the “retro” trend in music recently? Well, maybe you’ll find the “next big thing” hidden in our musical past.

Designed for anyone with an interest in popular music, for each genre you’ll learn:

The defining characteristics
Key artists
Socio-economic influences
Origins and legacy

Genres & artists covered include:

Rhythm & Blues
Country & Western
Jazz
Rockabilly
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Soul
Motown
Surf Rock
Folk Rock
The Beatles
Psychedelic Rock
Progressive Rock
Heavy Metal
Glam Rock
Punk Rock
Hip Hop
House
Techno
Nirvana
Drum & Bass

Boost your curiosity, explore your passion, and develop your cultural knowledge

We can learn so much from every single genre - whether it's a moral lesson from Bob Dylan and the Folk Rock movement, or a political lesson from the Sex Pistols and Punk Rock, or even a lesson in fun from the Glam Rockers.

Overview of the Course

Our course is aimed at anyone with an interest in the history of popular music. Whether you are in a band looking for a new style/sound, or just after some tasty pop trivia to wow your friends with, this is the course for you.

As you begin the course, you’ll look at Blues, Country, and Jazz: the early influencers of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the first true popular music genre. You’ll then be taken on an auditory adventure through time, looking at each genre under a magnifying glass, and examining the key artists, characteristics, and influences.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of where popular music comes from, and why it needs to exist, and you’ll have an arsenal of fun facts to share with your friends.

The Instructors

Jonathan Armandary taught Popular Music History at Leeds College of Music and has toured Europe in bands, as well as being an award-winning composer.

Tomas George has a MMus Masters Degree in Music Production and a BA(Hons) Degree in Music Composition. He is also the creator of some of the world's most popular music production courses - with over 275,000 students

You. You and your fellow students are an integral part of the course. By sharing your favourite bands, artists, and knowledge, you’ll help yourselves and others to expand your musical horizons.

Go ahead and click the enroll button, and we'll see you in lesson 1.

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will be able to hear the defining characteristics of a wide range of genres
You will know the socio-economic and political factors that gave birth to iconic genres
You will learn the history of some of the world’s most famous artists

You will know the most important artists of each genre
You will be able to amaze your friends with fascinating music facts

You will be able to hear the defining characteristics of a wide range of genres
You will know the socio-economic and political factors that gave birth to iconic genres
You will learn the history of some of the world’s most famous artists
You will know the most important artists of each genre
You will be able to amaze your friends with fascinating music facts

Syllabus

Introduction

Bebop, Cool, and Free Jazz

Resources

The Blues

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Includes curated Spotify playlists, which can help learners discover new music and deepen their appreciation for different genres

Covers a wide range of genres from the 1950s to the 2000s, providing a comprehensive overview of popular music history

Explores the socio-economic and political factors that influenced iconic genres, offering a deeper understanding of music's cultural context

Examines the origins and legacy of each genre, helping learners understand the evolution and impact of popular music

Taught by instructors with experience in music education, performance, and production, which can provide valuable insights and perspectives

Includes bonus content such as "The Media Scoring Guide", which may be useful for learners interested in music production or media scoring

Reviews summary

Comprehensive popular music history overview

According to students, this course offers a broad and well-structured exploration of 20th-century popular music history. Many appreciate the extensive genre coverage, ranging from early blues and jazz influences through rock, punk, hip hop, and electronic music. Learners highlight the passionate and knowledgeable instructors, finding their delivery engaging and informative. The inclusion of historical and socio-economic context is frequently mentioned as a key strength, providing a deeper understanding of the music's evolution. While largely positive, some reviewers felt certain later genres were covered less in-depth than earlier ones, suggesting it might be best for those new to the subject or looking for a comprehensive overview rather than deep dives into specific niche areas.

Delivery style keeps learners interested.

"The lectures were really engaging and held my attention throughout."

"I enjoyed the presentation style; it wasn't dry at all."

"The way the material was presented made it easy to follow and interesting."

Excellent foundation for those new to topic.

"As someone new to music history, this course was a perfect starting point."

"It's very accessible even if you don't have much prior knowledge."

"Great introduction to popular music history; not overwhelming at all."

Music placed within its historical and social setting.

"Loved learning about the socio-economic factors that influenced genres; it added so much depth."

"Understanding the historical context made me appreciate the music even more."

"It wasn't just about the music, but *why* it sounded like it did and what was happening when it was created."

Instructors are experts with passion for music.

"Jonathan and Tomas are clearly passionate and very knowledgeable about music history."

"Their expertise really shines through, making the lectures engaging."

"I felt I was learning from true enthusiasts and professionals in the field."

Wide range of music styles from 1950s to 2000s.

"The course covers an amazing array of genres, from early rockabilly to hip hop and techno."

"I was impressed by how many different musical styles were packed into this course."

"It's a fantastic overview of 20th-century popular music; really covers the spectrum."

Later genres covered less deeply than early ones.

"Felt like the electronic dance music section was a bit rushed compared to earlier rock genres."

"Some later topics like Hip Hop could have benefited from more detailed coverage."

"While broad, the depth on some more modern styles wasn't quite there for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Popular Music History: Pop, Rock & Dance in the 20th Century with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Strengthen your understanding of musical concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm to better appreciate the evolution of popular music genres.

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Review the circle of fifths and key signatures.
Practice identifying intervals and chord qualities.
Listen to examples of different time signatures.

Explore Music Production Tutorials

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Learn about the technical aspects of music production and how they have shaped the sound of popular music genres.

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Find tutorials on topics like mixing, mastering, and synthesis.
Experiment with different production techniques.
Analyze how these techniques are used in popular music.

Read 'The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century' by Alex Ross

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Gain a deeper understanding of the broader musical context in which popular music evolved during the 20th century.

View Wagnerism: Art and Politics in the Shadow of... on Amazon

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Read sections related to the genres covered in the course.
Take notes on key artists and musical innovations.
Reflect on how these developments influenced popular music.

Four other activities

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Read 'Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk' by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain

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Gain a firsthand perspective on the punk rock movement through interviews with the artists and personalities who defined it.

View Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of... on Amazon

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Read the interviews with key figures in the punk rock scene.
Take notes on the events and personalities that shaped the genre.
Reflect on the cultural and social context of punk rock.

Curate a 'Sounds Like' Playlist

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Develop your ear for musical similarities and influences by creating a playlist that explores the connections between different artists and genres.

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Choose a starting artist or genre from the course.
Find other artists or songs that share similar musical characteristics.
Create a playlist that showcases these connections.
Write a short description explaining the connections between the songs.

Create a Genre Evolution Timeline

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Visualize the relationships between different genres and their historical development to solidify your understanding of music history.

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Choose a selection of genres covered in the course.
Research the origins and influences of each genre.
Create a timeline showing the chronological development and connections between genres.
Add key artists and events to the timeline.

Analyze the Socio-Political Context of Punk Rock

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Deepen your understanding of the socio-political influences on music by researching and presenting on the punk rock movement.

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Research the socio-political climate of the 1970s in the UK and US.
Analyze the lyrics and themes of punk rock songs.
Examine the role of punk rock in challenging social norms.
Present your findings in a written report or presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Popular Music History: Pop, Rock & Dance in the 20th Century will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

A DJ plays music for an audience, whether at clubs, events, or on the radio. This course gives a historical perspective on the evolution of music and a practical knowledge of key genres. If you wish to become a DJ, this course may provide a good foundation. This course may be helpful, especially considering the course covers the history of popular music, from Blues to Nirvana. You may find the course particularly useful because it covers genres such as House and Techno. Ultimately, a DJ needs to understand a wide range of music.

See salaries and explore the career path for DJ

Music Journalist

A music journalist needs a broad understanding of music history and genres, which this course delivers. The role involves writing articles, reviews, and features about music for various publications. This course helps build a foundation of knowledge about the evolution of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, covering genres such as Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Hip Hop, and Techno. Knowing the key artists, defining characteristics, and socio-economic influences behind these genres helps a music journalist provide informed and insightful commentary. The course's syllabus, which includes the Beatles, Nirvana, and Punk Rock, may prove particularly useful. This course is designed for anyone with an interest in popular music and can provide ample material and inspiration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Songwriter

A songwriter composes original music and lyrics for songs. This career is about creativity and expression but also draws on understanding the history and structure of popular music. This course gives a history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, from Blues to Nirvana, that can help to boost curiosity, explore passion, and develop cultural knowledge. As a songwriter, you may find that this course helps provide knowledge of musical trivia, facts, and the key historical events that influenced iconic genres and artists. This course may provide a foundational background for anyone interested in music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Music Publicist

A music publicist promotes musicians and their work to the media and the public. This role requires a deep understanding of music history, genres, and cultural trends. The course offers a comprehensive overview of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, covering Blues to Nirvana, and everything in between. The course helps with arming oneself with musical trivia, facts, and knowledge of the key historical events that influenced iconic genres and artists. A music publicist may find the knowledge of genres like Rock 'n' Roll, Motown, and Hip Hop particularly useful, as well as the syllabus that discusses the Beatles, Punk Rock, and Electronic Dance Music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publicist

Music Producer

A music producer oversees the recording and production of songs or albums. While technical expertise is crucial, a music producer needs a broad understanding of music history. The goal of the music producer is to shape the overall sound and feel of the music. This course will guide you through the history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, from Blues to Nirvana, and everything in between. You may find this course helpful if you want an understanding of music and the defining characteristics, key artists, and the socio-economic influences of music and different genres.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Radio DJ

A radio DJ programs music and entertains listeners, and this course may be a valuable asset to expanding their musical knowledge. The course covers the history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, including genres like Rockabilly, Motown, Surf Rock, and Heavy Metal. As a Radio DJ, being equipped with musical trivia, facts, and knowledge of the historical events that influenced iconic genres and artists will help make for more engaging and informative broadcasts. The insight into the defining characteristics, key artists, and socio-economic influences of each genre, as detailed in the course, may enable a Radio DJ to create themed shows or provide deeper context to the music they play. The course material covering electronic dance music such as House and Techno may also be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio DJ

Music Teacher

A music teacher educates students about music theory, history, and performance and may find this course relevant. The course covers the history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s and is designed for anyone with an interest in music history. As a music teacher, knowledge of genres such as Jazz, Soul, and Electronic Dance Music will help prepare engaging and informative lessons. The course's exploration of the socio-economic influences and origins of various genres, including Heavy Metal and Punk Rock, helps you explain the cultural context of music to your students. This course, which provides playlists for each genre, may be a good starting point for further exploration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Supervisor

A music supervisor selects and licenses music for films, television shows, and other media, making this course potentially useful. They need to understand different genres and how they evoke certain emotions or enhance storytelling. This course may provide an overview of popular music history from Blues to Nirvana, including socio-economic influences on music. Knowing the origins and legacy of genres like Folk Rock, Glam Rock, and Punk Rock may help you make informed decisions when choosing the right music for a project. The instructors, who have experience in music history and production, may provide valuable perspectives. A music supervisor may find the section on the Beatles or Hip Hop useful.

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Concert Promoter

A concert promoter organizes and manages live music events and this course may prove to be helpful. Knowing the history of popular music and the characteristics of different genres, such as Rock, Soul, and Hip Hop, helps in identifying which artists to book, how to market events, and who to target in advertising. The course's focus on the socio-economic influences on music may help a concert promoter understand the cultural context and target the right audience for each event. The course covers genres like Punk Rock and Heavy Metal, so it may be a useful introduction for someone new to the field.

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Talent Scout

A talent scout seeks out new musicians and artists for record labels or other organizations and may find this course relevant. The course provides a broad overview of popular music history and different music genres. An understanding of the evolution of music and the key artists in each genre provides insight to assess potential talent. The course provides a solid foundation for identifying the socio-economic factors that influence music and for understanding the defining characteristics of genres like Hip Hop, House, and Techno; this may help a talent scout recognize emerging trends and spot artists with potential. The course may deepen one's knowledge of music.

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Sound Designer

A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for films, video games, or other media. This job requires a strong technical background and understanding of music and sound effects. The goal of a sound designer is to enhance the atmosphere and create an immersive experience through sound. This course explores the history of popular music, from Blues to Nirvana, and everything in between. As a sound designer, you may find this course helpful because of its ability to impart facts, knowledge of key socio-economic influences, and understanding of genres. This course may provide a solid foundation for a career in sound design.

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Archivist

An archivist preserves and organizes historical records and documents, including musical recordings and related materials. This course gives insight into the history of popular music and different musical genres. Learning about the history of music, key artists, and socio-economic influences provides context for the materials they manage. This course may be helpful, as it provides knowledge about Rock 'n' Roll, Motown, and Electronic Dance Music. The course may prove particularly useful, as it goes into detail about the defining characteristics, key artists, origins, and legacy of these genres.

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Sound Engineer

A sound engineer records, mixes, and edits audio for music and other media. While technical skills are paramount, an understanding of music history and genres may be useful for communicating with artists and shaping the sound of a project. This course may provide an overview of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, covering genres like Rock, Hip Hop, and Electronic Dance Music. Being familiar with the defining characteristics and key artists of each genre helps adjust the sound to match the style and desired aesthetic. The instructor has a Masters Degree in Music Production, which may provide an interesting perspective.

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Music Attorney

A music attorney provides legal advice and representation to musicians and other industry professionals. While a law degree is essential for this career, a background in music history and culture may be helpful. This course may provide a solid foundation by covering the history of popular music from the 1950s to the 2000s, from Blues to Nirvana. Understanding the evolution and cultural significance of genres like Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, and Hip Hop helps provide informed legal guidance on contracts, copyright, and other legal matters. Given the legal implications surrounding music and technology, the sections on electronic dance music and the digital era may prove useful.

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Entertainment Lawyer

An entertainment lawyer represents artists, musicians, and other professionals in the entertainment industry and must have a law degree. This course may provide a basic background in different genres of music and the music industry. This course may be helpful, considering it spans the history of popular music, from Blues to Nirvana. The goal of this course is to provide the learner with the musical trivia, facts, and knowledge of the key historical events that influenced iconic genres and artists. You may find this course helpful if you want background info on the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entertainment Lawyer

Popular Music History

Pop, Rock & Dance in the 20th Century

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive popular music history overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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