Choose one of the following topics and write a one page, single-spaced, handwritten, essay (1-3 paragraphs). Staff notation, the notation system taught in this book, originated in Europe as a method of writing the pitches for Roman Catholic chant more than 1000 years ago. Over time, European musicians adopted this system for both non-religious and religious music. Still more recently musicians from Asia, Africa, and other cultures not based upon European culture have used this notation system to notate their native music.
ASSIGNMENT: Using the internet, find and print a page of music from a non-European culture that is written in staff notation. Then, write an essay that answers the follow-ing question: When non-European musicians use the European staff notation system to write down their native music, does this change that native music into something more European? Why or why not? Turn in both the printed music and essay on the date due.
ASSIGNMENT: Research music notation systems other than staff notation on the internet. Choose one of the ones that you find and print an example of it. Then write an essay describing this system that also answers these questions. From what culture does this notation system come? Does it represent pitch, rhythm, or both? What advantages/disadvantages does it have relative to the staff notation system? Turn in both the printed example and the essay on the date due. Italian is the source language used for many of the important terms in music by people who actually speak languages other than Italian. Can you think of another field or business where people all over the world use a particular language for its technical vocabulary?
ASSIGNMENT: Using the internet, find and print examples of terms in a specific language used more or less worldwide in a specific industry or discipline. Then, write an essay that answers the following questions: Which business/art form/etc. uses this language. Which language is it? Why do you think this has become commonplace? Turn in both the printed examples and the essay on the date due.
