Can’t Help SingingMusic 1300

Course ObjectivesThe Timeless Melodies Foundation for Education, Inc. has been created to develop, promote, and advance the study and understanding of the role played by American song in the cultural development of our society. Our presentations are designed to increase and enhance the awareness of the general public with regard to the rich, historical significance of our American musical tradition. As such -- via lecture, live music, and audio and video excerpts -- we recount the life stories and career highlights of those who composed the music, wrote the words, or performed the classic, popular melodies and lyrics. These are the men and women who have immeasurably informed our lives and world...and whose accomplishments remain the standard to which all others have aspired or been compared.

Description: This is a survey course on the power of music to inspire our lives

Objectives1. To analyze music and its effects on our emotions;2. To discuss both the limitations of music and its unlimited potentiality.3. To understand the content of popular song with a special emphasis on love songs4. To trace a brief history of popular music from colonial days to 1957 reflecting the impact of immigration, westward move-ment, the Civil War, slave life and musical traditions, and role of technology. 6. To appreciate the craft of lyric writing and singing and reveal the dark side of genius in their music. Suggested Reading: Gerald Mast, Can’t Help Singing, Something Press, New York, Ken Bloom, The American Songbook, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, New York, 2005 Daniel J. Levitin, The World in Six Songs, Dutton Publishing, New York, 2008 David Tame, The Secret Power of Music, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont 1984

Suggested Viewing: That’s Entertainment, Parts 1 – 3 Warner Bros Home Video DVD Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Harold Arlen, Winstar Home Entertainment DVD Richard Rodgers, The Sweetest Sounds, American Masters, Center Stage DVD The Gershwin Years, Parts 1 & 2, 2 VHS Set Irving Berlin, An American Song, Biography A& E Home Video Instructor: Larry Maurer

All Rights Reserved © Copyright 2005

Timeless Melodies Foundation for Education, Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Timeless Melodies Foundation for Education, Inc.26152 Escala Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Larry Maurer, Instructorwww.timelessmelodies.org • larrym410@cox.net

All program materials used are in the public domain or under the “classroomexception” to the normal licensing requirements of the US Copyrght Act

Timeless Melodies Foundation For Education, Inc.26152 Escala Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Larry Maurer, Executive DirectorVoice (949) 305-3090 Fax (949) 305-2187

George Gershwin Irving Berlin Rodgers & Hart Harry Warren America 1900: Popular Music Begins

Rodgers & Hammerstein Cole Porter Sentimental Journey: The Songs of World War II

Frank Sinatra Parts 1 & 2 Fred Astaire Parts 1, 2 & 3 Jewish Contributions to American Popular Music

Judy Garland Gene Kelly Parts 1 & 2 Songs That Inspired a Nation African-American Contribution

The Roaring 20’s Ain’t We Got Fun Swing The Power of Music

Timeless Melodies expresses its profound appreciation to the following companies: 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros. MGM, & Paramount Pictures whose film clips made this course possible.

Timeless Melodies Courses

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Music 1300Can’t Help Singing

“A discussion will follow the presentation”

Lesson # 1 – Introduction

Music Revisited: America’s Love Affair with Music

America’s proudest song from its proudest citizen

Song: God Bless America

Music to suit every style

The Power of Music

Songs: A selection of moving musical moments

Lesson # - 2 The Origin of Our Love of Music

We love to dance because our ancestors had to Songs: Working, marching, group dynamics & making friends Getting to Know You

Lesson # 3 -You Have to Suspend Your Beliefs

Why Do We Believe in the Fantasy?

Songs: You’ll Never Walk Alone/The Sound of Music/ Oh What a Beautiful Morning The Unbelievable Fred & Ginger

Lesson # 4 – The Art of Songwriting

Fitting sing able words to melody

Songs: By the Light of the Silvery Moon/Mountain Greenery/I’ve Got the World on a String/One for My Baby (One More for the Road)

Lesson # 4 – The Art of Songwriting (cont)

The innerworld of the songwriter as revealed in the lyrics:

This Can’t be Love/Lady is a Tramp/ Just One of Those Things/They Can’t Take That Away from Me

Lesson # 5 – Going Right to the Source

From Prayers to Popular Songs

Songs : Get Happy/Steppin’Out With My Baby/It’s Only a Paper Moon

Lesson # 6 – A Musical Tour of American History

Songs: A selection of songs from Amazing Grace (1779) to Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Lesson # 7 The Real Life of the Genius Composer

Gershwin/Rodgers/Porter/Berlin

Lesson # 8 What Makes a Great Song: A Great Singer

Judy Garland & Frank Sinatra

Songs: a selection of representative songs

Lesson # 9 Conclusion: Can’t Help Singing - Can’t Help Feeling

Representing the best qualities of the human experience.