Each student will research and write a biographical essay (of at least 1000 words) that examines the life and music of a composer.

Assigned composer will be given 

Details:

The purpose of this assignment is to develop the skills necessary to analyze, synthesize, and critically assess research materials. A series of biographical questions will be provided for each student to address during the course of their research.

Requirements:

The essays must be double-spaced and use Times New Roman, 12 Point Font.

Students are required to include an annotated bibliography with a minimum of six (6) sources cited (two books, two journals, and two web links). Both MLA and APA styles are acceptable. 

Please note, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable academic source and will not be accepted. In addition, papers missing in-text citations will not be accepted.

A rubric will be used to assess the paper.

Listening Requirements:

Students are required to listen to one complete work composed by the research subject and respond to question(s) about the musician’s music.

References:

Below are eleven (11) biographical questions for each student to address during the course of their research.

1.When and where was the musician born?

2.What are the names of the musician’s 

parents, their occupations and any additional facts regarding their role in developing the musician’s musical talent?

3.What are the facts regarding the musician’s general education and musical training?

4.What instrument, or instruments, (include voice) did the musician play?

5.Based on the range of years of the musician’s life and work, to what traditional period of music history does he (or she) belong?

6.What influences (i.e., family members, teachers, or established musicians of the day) helped to shape the musician’s musical work?

7.What kind(s) of music (e.g., chant, opera, oratorio, art song, symphony, etc.) did the musician create over the span of his (or her) career?

8.After listening to one of the musician’s compositions, how would you characterize the music? Include the title of the piece of music that you are discussing and the details that illustrate the musical elements present in the piece (i.e., melody, harmony, rhythm).

9.What is the most significant contribution that the musician has made to the history of music?

10.When did the musician expire? Give specific details regarding the circumstances of the musician’s death? 

11.Recount one anecdotal story about the musician’s life or work that you discovered during your research?