1. + Music Theory 1

2. + Music was and still is primarily an aural art form. At one point in history, music was not written down It was passed on orally and received and learned aurally from generation to generation like like stories

3. + There are many benefits to learning music aurally or “by ear” This is the way we learn most naturally- Most people learn easier by watching or listening and then imitating Resulting music is more organic and natural Interpretation is more free and mostly left up to the performer- sometimes the written notes can get in the way Music can have strong cultural ties Music is more like a language- Communication

4. + There are also some negatives Music is not easily reproduced across cultural lines and at different times in history Many aspects can change over time- Telephone example Composer’s intent More difficult to reproduce complex music- This is why most folk and traditional music is very simple and often repetitive Harder to perform with very large ensembles

5. + Some Examples of the Aural Tradition Wade in the water https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXqMQfpNSes Ancient Roman Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbW_b_gM6Rk

6. + Examples of Written Down Music Eric Whitacre: Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsLiivVgxmM Variations on Carnival Venice: Aniello Desiderio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEmal86eZ9U Beethoveen Symphony No. 9 Finale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljGMhDSSGFU

7. + Two Lies, One Truth Get in 4 groups Each group will identify the truth and share with class

8. + Two Lies, One Truth 1. How was music originally passed down? A. Through the use of sheet music B. It was passed down Orally C. Through the use of Tablature 2. How did people solely learn music in the past? A. Through Solfege syllables B. By telling stories C. It was learned Aurally

9. + Two Lies, One Truth 3. Which one of these is a benefit of learning music by ear? A. It is easier to perform B. Music tends to sound more natural and organic C. Interpretation is more strict 4. Which one of these is a negative of learning music only by ear? A. Music is easier to reproduce in different places and times B. Music sounds too forced C. Music is performed exactly the way the composer wanted

10. + What do You Think? Is one way better than the other? Are both important? Did this presentation change your opinion on the importance of written down music?