MTMS Blog
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Music & the Kings
Most people know that Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was born the son of a Baptist minister in Atlanta. Did you also know the musical links that connected MLK with his wife, Coretta Scott King and her family? The Bride Coretta Scott grew up in the small, segregated…
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Composition: Music Mimicking Life
The Internet is abundant with music-inspired writing. That makes me happy. But the majority of these creations were inspired by lyrics, not the actual music. Music composition is storytelling without words. As composers, it is our responsibility to tell a story with our music – and not just with lyrics. Let the Music Inspire You…
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Mozart, Beethoven, and Classical Period Music
The Classical Era was an important time in music history. It lasted from 1750 to 1825. During this time, music became clearer and more balanced. Before this era, music was often very complex. However, composers of Classical Period music focused on structure and simplicity. As a result, melodies became easier to follow. Additionally, many composers…
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What is Ecomusicology?
Ecomusicology is a fascinating field where music and the environment meet. Put simply, it studies how music relates to nature and ecology. In addition, it considers how culture, sound, and the environment influence one another. For example, scholars examine how natural soundscapes shape music and listening. Therefore, ecomusicology goes beyond traditional music study. Instead, it…
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What Kids Heard in 2010s Pop: Student Reflections from the Music Lab
Student Reflections on 2010s Pop Music After learning about major pop figures of the 2010s, students returned to the music with fresh ears. First, they explored artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and the viral hit Friday by Rebecca Black. As a result, their listening and history responses clearly reflected the sound of…