Journal assignment:
The goal of the first three journal entries is to practice using the concepts and terminology learned
in the class preceding the journal due date. For Journal Entry 1, begin by watching Lecture 2. After
you have watched the lecture, choose two musical compositions – one piece of music that you
really like and one piece of music that you do not like/cannot stand/find boring/etc. You may
choose any type of music (the pieces may come from any music tradition), but you may not choose
one of the pieces that we have studied in class.
For your journal entry provide the composer(s)/performer(s)/title of each of your chosen
compositions and write a short paragraph describing the timbre found in each piece. The objective
of this assignment is for you to start to listen actively. Listening repeatedly to small sections of the
piece will reveal more and more to you.
You will not be marked on grammar, organization or accuracy of content. As long as you have
attempted to apply the concepts of the class to your two pieces of music, you will receive the 2%
grade. Do not worry about whether your observations are “right” or “wrong” – just write down
what it is that you hear. Be bold and take risks.
Topic for Journal Entry 1: Timbre
For both of your chosen compositions, answer the following: How many instruments do you hear?
Try to identify the instruments playing. If this is not obvious to you, then move on to describe the
quality of the sound produced by the instrument(s). What is it about the character of the sounds
that you find appealing or unappealing? (Focus on timbre only – do not describe other aspects of
the music such as melody or rhythm.)
Journal submission:
Submit your journal entry as a Word file(.doc) or a PDF file. Please place your name and student number
on the top of the page. For each piece that you choose, provide the composer/performer and the title.
Write a short paragraph (at least 5 lengthy sentences) discussing the timbre of the piece.