Roger Kamien: Music. An Appreciation

Why another music appreciation text? Over thirty years' experience with music appreciation courses and college students has shown me the need for an accurate, clear, and engaging book that takes students' interests and knowledge into account. My goal has been to write a book that is useful both for study and in the classroom. This text provides an approach to perceptive listening and an introduction to musical elements, forms, and stylistic periods. Its discussions of composers' lives, individual styles, and representative works aim not merely to impart facts but to stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm. The book was written to heighten the readers' love of music as well as to develop their listening skills. The features outlined below have proved attractive to students and teachers alike.