European Musical Style Outlines

The following outlines are offered as an overview of the major developments in European and American music history, beginning around the year 1400. In discussing musical eras with students, help students become aware that beginning and ending dates of all eras overlap, and do not correspond exactly with similar eras in art and literature. The representative works given in the outlines do not necessarily represent the most important, familiar, or popular works, but are offered as examples of the style characteristics cited.

Exposure and familiarity with music from all eras will break down any prejudices or preconceptions that students may have regarding music of the past. Encourage students to listen to older music with the same respect and acceptance that they offer to music of other cultures. Use their spontaneous comments as a springboard for examining a particular stylistic characteristic. For example, if a student remarks that mid-to-late 18th century music sounds "prissy," ask them why, and lead them to a realization that graceful melodies and ornamentation were a hallmark of the "classical" style.

On the other hand, students should not feel guilty or embarrassed if the work of a famous composer does not appeal to them. Share with them that practiced musicians also have their favorites and least favorites among "great" composers. It is possible to respect the effort and skill of a composer without finding his or her music personally appealing. Students and teachers alike can also take comfort in the fact that a preference for "new" music dates back at least as far as the mid-1600s.

Students who wish to pursue a particular style or composer further will find an abundance of background material on the internet. (They should be sure to type in the full name of the composer to filter out as many irrelevant references as possible.) For a more comprehensive study, most current college music appreciation texts are well within the grasp of interested middle school students.

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		Renaissance
		Baroque
		Classical Era
		Romantic Era
		Twentieth Century and Beyond