The Complete History of Music, Part 1: Antiquity & Medieval from Udemy

UDEMY

This class is for anyone who has wondered about the origins of music, how it came to be, and where it came from.

If you've ever looked at a medieval instrument, and wondered how it was played, this course is for you. If you've ever watched an episode of Game of Thrones and wondered about the music, this class is for you. If you've ever wanted to learn how they come up with music for video games like Skyrim, Zelda (any of them), or anything else set in a medieval-esque world, this class is for you.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Topics Covered:

Music of Antiquity
"Early" Music
Music of Mesopotamia
Early music instruments: Harps and Lyres
The origins of music notation
Music in Ancient Greek culture
Music in Greek philosophy
Music in the early Christian church
Gregorian Chant
Sacred and Secular music
Boethius
Pathagoras
Hexachords
The Guidoian Hand
Poetry in Music of the Medieval period
Hildegard Von Bingen
Versus
Goliard Songs
Minstrels
Bards
Troubadours
Motets
And much, much more.

Dr. Allen is a university music professor and is a top-rated Udemy instructor. In 2017 Star Tribune Business featured him as a "Mover and a Shaker," and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes.

While a lot of history courses focus on memorization, this is a course for those interested in immersing themselves in the music and culture. You won't find lists of dates to memorize here - this class is designed to be fun and enjoyable.

This is the first part of a multiple-course series.

In this course, we will focus the entire course on the Antiquity and Medieval Periods.

By the end of this course, if you follow along, you will be ready to move on to the Renaissance period - coming in part 2.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start learning about the history of music TODAY.

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music history course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30 day money back guarantee)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢ "Excellent explanations. No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢ "I am learning LOTS. And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts to all future classes in the series.

What's inside

Learning objectives

In this course, students will learn about the earliest forms of music made by humans (that we know about), and how it became what we know as music now.
Students will learn how gregorian chant works, how it is notated, and how it was used in the medieval area in worship.

Students will learn how traveling bards and troubadours went town-to-town using music to convey the news of the day.

In this course, students will learn about the earliest forms of music made by humans (that we know about), and how it became what we know as music now.
Students will learn how gregorian chant works, how it is notated, and how it was used in the medieval area in worship.
Students will learn how traveling bards and troubadours went town-to-town using music to convey the news of the day.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Complete History of Music!

Introduction

List of Musical Examples Used in this Course

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the music of antiquity and the medieval period, providing a foundation for understanding later musical developments and traditions

Examines early music instruments like harps and lyres, offering insights into their construction, playing techniques, and their role in ancient societies

Belongs to a multi-part series, suggesting a comprehensive and detailed exploration of music history from antiquity to later periods

Discusses the role of music in the early Christian church and the development of Gregorian chant, which is central to Western musical heritage

Focuses on immersing learners in the music and culture of the time, rather than memorizing dates and facts, which may appeal to some learners

Explores early forms of music theory, including Boethius, Pythagoras, hexachords, and Guido's hand, which are foundational concepts

Reviews summary

Engaging introduction to early music history

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive and accessible introduction to the history of music from Antiquity through the Medieval period. Many students praise the instructor, Dr. Allen, for his engaging lectures and clear explanations. The course excels in providing cultural context and is often described as perfect for beginners or those with no prior music history knowledge. While some appreciate the musical examples provided, a few reviewers felt the content, particularly on music notation or musical analysis, could benefit from more depth, especially for those with some musical background. Overall, it is seen as an excellent starting point for exploring early music.

Explores music within its historical setting.

"...the way he explained the connection between music and philosophy was fascinating."

"I appreciated the lack of focus on memorization and the emphasis on understanding the cultural context."

"The historical context was interesting..."

Provides an accessible starting point.

"It's definitely geared towards beginners, which was perfect for me."

"Excellent course for dipping your toes into music history."

"Good starting point for absolute beginners."

"Great for everyone without any knowledge so far."

Dr. Allen's teaching is highly praised.

"Absolutely loved this course! Dr. Allen is a fantastic lecturer, making complex history feel very approachable."

"The instructor knows his stuff and presents it clearly."

"Dr. Allen's passion is evident."

"Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class."

Content may feel basic to some.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially regarding notation..."

"...I felt the musical analysis was a bit shallow."

"If you have some music background, this might feel too basic."

"Disappointed. The course provides very surface-level information. It feels more like a series of short lectures..."

"Good overview, but lacks depth."

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 The Complete History of Music, Part 1: Antiquity & Medieval with these activities:

Review Ancient Greek Music Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of the foundations of Western music by reviewing the principles of music theory as understood in Ancient Greece.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Research the basics of Greek modes.
Study the relationship between music and mathematics in Greek thought.
Explore the role of music in Greek drama and festivals.

Read "The Cambridge History of Western Music Theory"

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Deepen your understanding of music theory's historical development, providing context for the course's exploration of Antiquity and Medieval music.

View Stories of Tonality in the Age of François... on Amazon

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Focus on chapters covering ancient Greece and early medieval periods.
Take notes on key concepts and figures.
Relate the book's content to the course lectures.

Compose a Short Piece in the Style of Gregorian Chant

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Solidify your understanding of Gregorian chant by composing a short piece using its characteristic melodic and rhythmic features.

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Review the characteristics of Gregorian chant.
Choose a suitable liturgical text or create your own.
Compose a melody using modal scales and free rhythm.
Notate your composition using modern or medieval notation.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Explore "A History of Western Music" by J. Peter Burkholder

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Gain a broader understanding of Western music history and how the Antiquity and Medieval periods fit into the larger narrative.

View Listening to Charles Ives on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to Antiquity and the Medieval period.
Take notes on key composers, styles, and historical events.
Compare and contrast the information in the book with the course lectures.

Research and Present on Hildegard von Bingen

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Deepen your knowledge of a key figure in medieval music by researching and presenting on Hildegard von Bingen's life and works.

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Research Hildegard von Bingen's biography and musical contributions.
Analyze several of her compositions, focusing on their unique features.
Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
Present your research to a friend, family member, or online forum.

Recreate a Medieval Instrument

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Gain a hands-on understanding of medieval music by attempting to recreate a simple instrument like a lyre or recorder.

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Research the construction of a medieval instrument.
Gather the necessary materials.
Follow instructions or create your own design.
Experiment with playing the instrument.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete History of Music, Part 1: Antiquity & Medieval will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Historian

A music historian explores the history of music and its cultural context. This course on the complete history of music offers a deep dive into the Antiquity and Medieval periods, providing a strong foundation for understanding the evolution of music. A music historian researches and writes about musical developments, and learning about early instruments like harps and lyres, as well as notation, Gregorian Chant, and early music theory covered in the course, helps provide a deeper understanding of the historical landscape. The course's focus on immersing in the music and culture of the time, rather than just memorizing facts, makes it highly relevant for aspiring music historians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Historian

Choir Director

A choir director leads and conducts a choir. The course, with its deep exploration of music from Antiquity and the Medieval period, offers a choir director valuable insights into early vocal music traditions. A choir director would find this course especially helpful because it delves into Gregorian Chant, sacred music, and the treatment of text in early compositions. By learning about the historical context and performance practices of these early forms, the choral director can apply this knowledge to better interpret and convey the music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Choir Director

Music Archivist

A music archivist preserves and catalogues musical materials, often specializing in a particular genre, composer, or period. The course on the complete history of music, with its focus on Antiquity and Medieval periods, is deeply relevant. A music archivist preserves and makes accessible historical materials. This course can help broaden one's understanding of music notation, early instruments, and theoretical systems used in Antiquity and Medieval times. The course's emphasis on cultural context provides further insights into the materials the music archivist manages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Archivist

Ethnomusicologist

An ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures. This course explores music's origins and development, starting with Antiquity and the Medieval period. For an ethnomusicologist, understanding early music instruments and the origins of notation can provide valuable context when examining musical traditions around the world. The course's thorough coverage of topics like Mesopotamian music, music in ancient Greek culture, and the influence of the early Christian church on music provides a broad base of knowledge for the study of diverse musical cultures. Learning about bards, troubadours, and minstrels also provides a cultural backdrop for various musical traditions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethnomusicologist

Video Game Composer

A video game composer creates music for video games, often drawing inspiration from various historical periods and cultures. This course, explicitly mentioning video games like Skyrim and Zelda, focuses on the Antiquity and Medieval periods, offering a rich understanding of early music which may enhance creativity. A video game composer benefits from studying early music instruments, Gregorian Chant, and secular music of the era, as these elements can be incorporated into game soundtracks to create authentic and immersive soundscapes. The course's emphasis on understanding the culture surrounding the music of the time is helpful in creating evocative themes.

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Film Composer

A film composer writes original music for movies. The course offers a comprehensive overview of music from Antiquity and the Medieval period, providing an essential background for comprehending musical evolution. A film composer needs to understand diverse musical styles and historical influences to create scores that enhance the narrative of a film, and knowledge of early instruments, music notation, and forms of chant is frequently useful. By studying the application of music in ancient Greek culture, the early Christian church, the film composer gains a wider understanding of how music can be used to enhance the story of film projects.

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Music Teacher

A music teacher educates students on musical concepts, history, and performance. This course offers a detailed examination of early music history, providing a music teacher with valuable knowledge to share with their students. A music teacher may find the course helpful when teaching about the origins of musical notation, Gregorian Chant, and early music theory, and the course's focus on immersing in the music and culture of the time can help in creating engaging and informative lesson plans. The course's history of music, coupled with the instructor's background as a university professor, helps build a solid foundation for teaching music history.

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Music Journalist

A music journalist writes about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course provides a broad understanding of the origins of music, tracing its development from Antiquity through the Medieval period. A music journalist benefits from the course's exploration of early music instruments and Gregorian chant. An understanding of the historical and cultural aspects of music from this period supports writing well-informed articles.

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Music Critic

A music critic evaluates and analyzes music performances and recordings. This course explores the history of music from Antiquity to the Medieval period, offering a music critic a deeper understanding of musical evolution and historical context. A music critic may find the course useful, as knowledge of early music instruments, notation, and theoretical concepts can inform their analysis of both historical and contemporary music. The course's exploration of sacred and secular music, as well as the roles of minstrels and troubadours, provides criticizes with a richer understanding of musical traditions.

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Museum curator

A museum curator manages and interprets collections, often specializing in a specific area such as musical instruments or historical artifacts. This course explores the history of music from Antiquity and the Medieval periods, providing a museum curator with valuable context for understanding musical artifacts from those eras. A museum curator benefits from the course's coverage of early music instruments like harps and lyres, as well as the origins of notation and the evolution of musical forms. The course may assist a curator in developing engaging exhibits and educational programs that highlight the importance of music in human history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Historical Reenactor

A historical reenactor recreates historical events and portray historical figures. This course explores music from Antiquity and the Medieval periods, offering a historical reenactor insight into the music of those times. A historical reenactor can incorporate knowledge of early music instruments, Gregorian Chant, and secular music of the era to enhance the authenticity of performances and presentations. The course may be useful to someone wishing to recreate musical performances or demonstrate the role of music in daily life.

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Opera Singer

An opera singer performs vocal roles in operas. While their repertoire may span various eras, the course on music history can enhance performance. An opera singer would benefit from its examination of early music theory and how composers worked with text, and it may enhance their interpretative skills, as well as inform their performance. The course's focus on the cultural background provides context for the performance.

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Musical Instrument Maker

A musical instrument maker designs, constructs, and repairs musical instruments, often specializing in a particular type or period. The course exploring music history from Antiquity to the Medieval era provides a strong foundation for understanding the design and construction of early instruments. A musical instrument maker can learn about harps and lyres, early notation, and the materials used in instrument making. The course's details may help in accurately recreating or repairing instruments from these periods.

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Arts Administrator

An arts administrator manages the operations of arts organizations. This course explores the history of music from Antiquity to the Medieval period, providing a broad understanding of musical heritage for an arts administrator. An arts administrator might find the course useful if their organization deals with early music or historical performances, since possessing knowledge of early music instruments, notation, and the cultural context of music can help them effectively manage and promote related events and programs. The course's coverage of various musical forms and traditions informs work with diverse artistic initiatives.

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Librarian

A librarian manages and organizes collections of books, music, and other resources. This course explores the history of music from Antiquity to the Medieval period, providing a librarian with background knowledge helpful for cataloging and assisting patrons with music-related materials. The course may be useful to a librarian for understanding the evolution of music notation and the development of various musical forms. The course's breadth helps when assisting researchers or individuals interested in learning about the history of music.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Complete History of Music, Part 1: Antiquity & Medieval.

Stories of Tonality in the Age of François-Joseph...

Save

Explores the development of music theory from ancient Greece to the present day. It examines the key figures, concepts, and debates that have shaped our understanding of music. It provides a valuable context for understanding the theoretical foundations of Gregorian chant and other early forms of music. This book is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.

Stories of Tonality in the Age of François-Joseph...

Hardcover

Listening to Charles Ives

Save

Widely used textbook for music history courses. It offers a comprehensive overview of Western music from antiquity to the present. It provides a balanced approach, covering both the historical context and the musical analysis of key works. This book is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.

Listening to Charles Ives

Paperback

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Listening to Charles Ives

Kindle Edition

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