How to Write a Listening Journal Analysis Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Your first listening journal assignment is to write a full 3-page essay that provides an analysis of one musical work relevant to Gateways 1 to 21 (found in Parts I and II of our course textbook) and studied in our class meetings. Your analysis should utilize the established methodology and parameters designated in our textbook and implemented in our class discussions. I have provided you with a list of suggested topics and works for consideration, or you may select a work on based on your own interests and investigations. If you would prefer to write your paper on a work outside of the suggested works, please discuss your plan with your instructor. Please do not write your paper on a gateway selection found in your textbook as it has already been analyzed.
You have considerable flexibility regarding how you approach your topic, but please develop an organized analysis that interrogates the most prominent elements of music and the most important of the five questions that provide the organizational foundation of our discussions: What is it? How does it work? What does it mean? What is its history? Where do we go from here? Your paper should be comprised of three to five pages of written text, and it should be written in standard academic English format (double spaced/ 11 font). Please include appropriate citations and a bibliography if you choose to consult source materials (all main style sheets are acceptable), and keep in mind that all papers are electronically reviewed for plagiarism. Most importantly, make sure that you fulfill the basic parameters of this assignment in your essay.
Here is the list of suggested topics or works to study based on our recent investigations of Gateways from Parts I and II in your course textbook (Music History to 1500 CE/ portions of Music From 1500 to 1900). This list also includes topics that we have not studied, but are perhaps areas of interest:
Music of Foragers: a music selection of the BaAka people or other Central African foragers (such as the BaBenzele)
Music of Nomadic Pastoralists: a compelling music example of Tuvan throat-singing by an artist or ensemble of your choice
Music of Horticultural Societies: a music selection by a panpipe ensemble of your choice from a horticultural society (such as the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea or the Indians of Peru)
Buddhist Music: an excerpt of a Buddhist ritual practice featuring chanting
Christian Chant: a selection by a monastic choir featuring traditional Gregorian chant
Qur’anic Chant: a compelling example of Qur’anic chanting by a reciter from anywhere in the Muslim world
Early European Polyphonic Music: an example of four-part organum or a polyphonic mass setting by a notable composer from the Medieval period
Music of China: a compelling musical example of Chinese music featuring the qin or another traditional instrument
Music of the Middle East: a musical selection featuring the ‘ud, buzuq, or ney from the region of the Middle East
African Music: a compelling example of African music featuring mbira or a work that references traditional Shona music and singing styles
European Village Music: a compelling example of Bulgarian music featuring traditional instruments and dance forms
Renaissance Sacred Vocal Music: “Kyrie” from Pope Marcellus Mass by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina or another notable selection from a Renaissance mass or motet
Renaissance Secular Vocal Music: Now is the Month of Maying by Thomas Morley or another notable example of an English or Italian madrigal
Renaissance Dance Music: “Passamezzo and Galliard” by Pierre Francisque Caroubel from the collection entitled Terpsichore compiled by Michael Praetorius or any other selection from this collection
Renaissance Lute Music: “Flow My Tears” or “Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite” by John Dowland, or any notable Renaissance work featuring lute
North Indian Classical Music: a compelling example of North Indian classical music by a composer or performer of your choice
Baroque Opera: “Dido’s Lament” (Act III) from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell or another compelling selection from a notable Baroque opera
Baroque Orchestral Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major (First Movement: Allegro) by Johann Sebastian Bach (or another concerto grosso from this collection)
Baroque Sacred Music: Cantata No. 140 Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Fourth Movement: Tenor Chorale) by Johann Sebastian Bach or another notable selection from a Baroque cantata
Baroque Keyboard Music: Organ Fugue in G Minor (Little Fugue BWV 578) or Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 565) by Johann Sebastian Bach, or a compelling keyboard suite by Handel or Bach
Javanese Court Music: a compelling example of Javanese court music by a notable ensemble of your choice
COURSEBOOK IS ATTACHED.

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!


Step 1: Choose a Musical Work

The first step in your assignment is to select a musical work. You have the option to choose a piece from the list of suggested topics or any other work from your course material that fits within Gateways 1 to 21 (Parts I and II of your textbook). Important: Do not pick a piece already analyzed in the textbook.

How to pick:

  • If you’re interested in a specific culture, pick a work that reflects that (e.g., Tuvan throat-singing or Gregorian chant).
  • Make sure it fits into one of the categories of the assignment (e.g., Early European Polyphonic Music, Renaissance Sacred Vocal Music).
  • Ensure that the work has enough information and context available for analysis.

Step 2: Understand the Questions to Answer

You need to analyze the chosen work by addressing the five main questions that form the structure of your paper. These questions will guide your analysis:

  1. What is it? – Identify the piece of music you chose, its genre, and its basic structure.
  2. How does it work? – Break down how the music is composed. What are the instruments or vocal techniques used? How are they arranged?
  3. What does it mean? – Discuss the meaning of the music. Is it religious, cultural, or emotional? How do the instruments, rhythms, and melodies convey meaning?
  4. What is its history? – Explore the historical context of the piece. When and where was it composed? Who were the composers or performers? Why was it significant at the time?
  5. Where do we go from here? – Reflect on the future implications of this music. How does it influence modern music, or what lasting effects does it have on culture or musical trends?

Tip: Each of these questions will form a section of your paper. You’ll want to dedicate a paragraph to each one.

Step 3: Structure Your Essay

Your essay should be 3-5 pages long and formatted as follows:

  • Introduction (1 Paragraph): Start with a brief introduction of the music piece you will analyze, including the name, composer (if applicable), and any relevant background information.
  • Body of the Essay (4-6 Paragraphs):
    • Each of the five questions should be addressed in a separate paragraph or section of your body.
    • Be sure to back up your answers with evidence from the piece of music, such as its structure, instruments used, and musical techniques.
  • Conclusion (1 Paragraph): Summarize your findings and reflect on the importance of the piece. Answer the question, “What impact does this music have on the world or its audience?”

Step 4: Cite Your Sources

If you use any external materials (books, articles, or online resources), make sure to cite them properly in your paper. Use APA style for citations. Your bibliography should list any sources you referred to while writing your analysis.

Step 5: Check for Plagiarism

Since your paper will be electronically reviewed for plagiarism, it’s very important to write the paper in your own words and cite any sources you reference. Do not copy and paste from any material—always paraphrase and summarize the information you gather.

Step 6: Proofread and Edit

After writing your essay, go back and proofread it carefully. Look for:

  • Spelling and grammar mistakes
  • Clarity – Are your points clearly stated?
  • Flow – Does the paper flow logically from one question to the next?

Final Tips:

  • Don’t rush; take your time to reflect on the music and write thoughtful responses.
  • Use examples from the music itself (melody, rhythm, instrumentation) to support your points.
  • Make sure you are answering all five questions in detail.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to craft a well-organized and thoughtful analysis of your chosen musical work!

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