We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Music History

Save

Music history is the study of the development of music over time, from its origins in ancient cultures to the present day. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the evolution of musical instruments, the development of music theory, the history of musical genres, and the lives and works of major composers.

Why Study Music History?

There are many reasons why one might want to study music history. For some, it is simply a matter of curiosity. They want to learn more about the music they love and how it came to be. For others, music history is a way to deepen their understanding of music theory and practice. By studying the works of great composers, they can learn about the techniques and principles that have been used to create beautiful and enduring music. Still others study music history as a way to prepare for a career in music. Whether they want to be performers, composers, or teachers, a strong understanding of music history is essential.

How Online Courses Can Help

There are many ways to learn about music history, but one of the most convenient and accessible is through online courses. These courses offer a variety of benefits, including:

Read more

Music history is the study of the development of music over time, from its origins in ancient cultures to the present day. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the evolution of musical instruments, the development of music theory, the history of musical genres, and the lives and works of major composers.

Why Study Music History?

There are many reasons why one might want to study music history. For some, it is simply a matter of curiosity. They want to learn more about the music they love and how it came to be. For others, music history is a way to deepen their understanding of music theory and practice. By studying the works of great composers, they can learn about the techniques and principles that have been used to create beautiful and enduring music. Still others study music history as a way to prepare for a career in music. Whether they want to be performers, composers, or teachers, a strong understanding of music history is essential.

How Online Courses Can Help

There are many ways to learn about music history, but one of the most convenient and accessible is through online courses. These courses offer a variety of benefits, including:

  • Flexibility: Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
  • Affordability: Online courses are often more affordable than traditional college courses.
  • Accessibility: Online courses are available to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location.

The online courses listed above offer a comprehensive overview of music history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. They cover a wide range of topics, including the history of musical instruments, the development of music theory, the history of musical genres, and the lives and works of major composers. These courses are taught by expert instructors and offer a variety of learning materials, including lecture videos, readings, quizzes, and discussion boards.

Benefits of Studying Music History

There are many benefits to studying music history, including:

  • A deeper understanding of music: By studying music history, you can learn about the different elements that make up music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture. You can also learn about the different ways that music has been used throughout history, from religious ceremonies to political rallies.
  • A greater appreciation for music: When you understand the history of music, you can appreciate the different styles and genres that have been created over time. You can also better understand the work of your favorite composers and musicians.
  • Improved musicianship: If you are a musician, studying music history can help you improve your skills. By learning about the techniques and principles that have been used by great composers, you can apply them to your own music.

Careers in Music History

There are many different careers that are related to music history. Some of the most common include:

  • Music teacher: Music teachers teach music history and theory to students of all ages.
  • Music librarian: Music librarians catalog and organize music collections and assist patrons with finding music resources.
  • Music archivist: Music archivists preserve and catalog music collections and other music-related materials.
  • Music journalist: Music journalists write about music and music-related topics for newspapers, magazines, and websites.
  • Music producer: Music producers oversee the recording and production of music.

Conclusion

Music history is a fascinating and rewarding field of study. Whether you are a music lover, a musician, or simply someone who wants to learn more about the world around you, studying music history can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment. And with the help of online courses, learning about music history has never been easier.

Path to Music History

Take the first step.
We've curated 16 courses to help you on your path to Music History. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Music History: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Music History.
This multi-volume history of Western music, written by a team of leading scholars. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative work on the subject, but it is also very expensive and difficult to read.
This massive anthology of Western music, containing over 1,000 pieces of music from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is an invaluable resource for students of music history, but it is also quite expensive.
This collection of essays on a wide range of topics in music history, theory, and performance. It is written by a team of leading scholars and musicians, and it is an invaluable resource for students of music.
This comprehensive and well-written history of jazz music. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with illustrations and examples.
This collection of essays on a wide range of topics in music history. It is written by a team of leading scholars, and it is an invaluable resource for students of music history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western music, from its origins in ancient Greece to the present day. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with illustrations and examples.
This comprehensive dictionary of American music, containing over 5,000 articles on all aspects of music in the United States. It is an invaluable resource for students of American music history, but it is also quite expensive.
This classic textbook on the history of Western music. It is comprehensive and well-written, and it is still widely used in university courses. However, it is quite long and detailed, and it may be too difficult for some readers.
This textbook on the history of Western music, written by a team of leading scholars. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with illustrations and examples.
This textbook on the history of Western music, written by a team of leading scholars. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is packed with illustrations and examples.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser