In-class listening assignments provide students with the opportunity to learn to listen to music with a discerning ear.  Each journal entry should consist of two parts:

1.  BULLET POINTS

The following must be included:
•Date
•Title (and source, if listening is part of a larger work)
•Performer Name(s)
•Genre:  classification of music, i.e. jazz, classical, musical theatre, etc.

Identify as many of the following as possible:
•Size of ensemble:  large, small, soloist, etc.
•Specific instruments/voice types
•Type of ensemble/accompaniment
•Dynamics: loud, soft, etc.
•Tempo: fast, slow, etc.
•Style: swing, bossa nova, ballad, etc.
•Mood: happy, sad, pensive, etc.
•Form:  12-bar blues, symphonic movement, AABA, etc.
•Language (don’t forget to capitalize!)
•Melody/Rhythm
•Key/Modulations
etc.

2.  WRITTEN PARAGRAPH
Outside of class, the student creates complete sentences from the notes taken.  Each written paragraph should consist of these components:

•Sentence 1:  Title & Performer

•Sentence 2-3:  Musical Elements.  Two (or more) sentences describe musical elements, which should include elements identified in bullet points.  Note: not all elements need to be included; pick the ones you consider most important.

•Sentence 4:  Emotion/Imagery.  A sentence describing evoked emotions and/or mind’s eye imagery.

•Last Sentence:  Opinion statement.  Does the listener like it?  Why or why not?