| MUS305 A ~
Tunes for Twangers will present a history of country music in the United
States. It is important to note that it is "a" history not "the" history
of that which we know as country music. The instructor has made many strategic
decisions about what to include and that which shall not be included in
the course. Dozens and dozens of important and/or influential artists are
represented ~ hundreds and hundreds are not. When selecting persons for
presentation - the instructor has sought to identify those who not only
were [or are] "famous" in their own right - but those that greatly
influenced others and the course of country music. A different person - in
some cases - probably would have picked different, representational
artists. The same is true with the musical examples we shall consider - I
have chosen a tad over 100 for the course - others perhaps would have
chosen differently. It is my hope, however, that I have rather accurately
and generally fairly presented "a history of country music. Special
attention will be given to how varying traditions, varying "musics"
[always reflective of the unique background and social identity of the
artist] came together [via assorted and fascinatingly different forms of
"transmission"] to make that which we know as country music. Through reading, discussion, listening and reflecting - it is the
goal of the course to provide both a solid background in country music and
appreciation for this American art form. |
