The primary purpose of MUS305 Section A [Tunes for Twangers] is to provide for students the opportunity to learn, discover and actively listen to many types of “country music” with a degree of appreciation, reflection and perception.

This goal will be more readily achieved as the student develops a basic understanding of the amazing influences that “congealed” to make that which we know as “country music” today.

A special emphasis is placed upon the notion that music in general, but country music in particular is highly reflective of our society and life. Each artists reflects their own unique background and social identity.

Please note the name of the course is Tunes for Twangers [sub-titled “a” history of country music ... not “the” history of country music]. Yes, some historical aspects and artists must be and will be considered, however, the primary thrust is more from a societal and cultural standpoint.

Tunes for Twangers is “MTG” [aka More Than Garth] … it is a fascinating [hopefully] immersion  into a significant art form – created by a veritable plethora of artists, representing a panoply of cultural history and social identities – that wove this cherished blanket … that which today we call country music.

At the conclusion of Tunes for Twangers, a registered Twanger will be able to …

- understand and recognize the three primary influences which came together to form what we know as country music today [Appalachia, Delta and Religion]

- understand that “strains” of these early influences may be recognized in every country artist today

- understand that an amazing array of artists have contributed to the art form we know today as country music – and these artists reflect wide and varied traditions and histories. Each artist adds to the fabric of country music, bringing their unique cultural history, identity and perspectives to the art form.

- develop an understanding of the importance of “transmission” to the development of the genre [medicine shows, touring ensembles such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers, The National Fiddling Contest as sponsored by Henry Ford, et al ~ early field recordings by Ralph S. Peer and ethnomusicologists such as Alan and John Lomax ~ early radio such as WBAP, WLS & WSM, et al]

- understand the unique and important role African-Americans have played in the development of country music – such as the influence of genres such as the work song and the spiritual, artists such as Blind, Lemon Jefferson, Leadbelly, Te-Tot and Lesley Riddle, or the importance of an early superstar of the Grand Ol Opry such as the black harmonica virtuoso, Deford Bailey

- understand the incredible role that the original Carter Family played in the development of country music ~ be it the “song gathering” of AP from the mountains, the vocals of Sara or the amazing artistry of Mother Maybelle on her famous Gibson L5 guitar, plus the most-unexpected influences of the black, itinerant musician Lesley Riddle on the Carters

- understand that each true “superstar” and their work is highly reflective of the three primary, early influences and always reflective of their own, unique cultural history and social identity

- have an understanding of the female “giants” in country music ~ such as Roba Stanley, Patsy Montana, Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, et al and the influences of which they were reflective

- have an understanding of the male “giants” in country music ~ such as Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Fiddlin’ John Carson, Uncle Dave Macon, Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams and the influences of which they were reflective

- have an understanding that country music is reflective of society in a special way a themes of The Depression, Tuberculosis, Alcoholism, Birth Control, Divorce and Terrorist Attacks are but a few of the topics upon which country “classics” are based

- have an understanding of the primary instruments of country music – and the sub-strain bluegrass music – their origins and appeal

- have an understanding that the business/commercial side of the equation – has from the beginning – shaped country music [for better or worse]

- have an appreciation for the incredible artistry represented by those in country music [e.g. Earl Scruggs on banjo, Bill Monroe on mandolin, et al]

- always be able to answer correctly any questions on Jeopardy or who Wants to be a Millionaire regarding country music with complete accuracy

These skill sets will be evaluated through the Twanger Assignments, Mini-Tests, Tests and Examination, class projects and classroom participation