Alessandra's Bib Blog

The skills I learned in Bibliography & Research in Music are imperative to excelling in this program, but most importantly my career as a teacher. I have learned a great deal about research methods, instructional techniques, and presenting information creatively.  Because of Bibliography I am a stronger writer and communicator. Aside from learning about databases, proper research methods, and APA citations, I learned how to better express information in writing and via a presentation. The annotated bibliography project forced me to show my information in a succinct fashion, clearly briefing the reader on the topic. My presentation skills are a lot more interactive and engaging than they were before.  Integrating creative ideas like map tours, lesson plans, and videos into presentations not only kept the audience engaged, but heightened my own engagement in the process.  I enjoyed researching material when the presentation was more "fun" than a standard PowerPoint. I p...

Between what we’ve learned in Music Since 1800 with Dr. Haefeli and these readings, there is no doubt that music history has a checkered past. Because of prevalent racism and prejudice in societies at the turn of the 20th century, non-white music was either ignored or forced to fit a certain standard. I do believe Alan Lomax was trying to highlight black culture and their impact on music-- I don’t think he’s coming from a “wow this music must be really ‘exotic!’” standpoint. However, he was searching for a type of music that did not exist, and forced listeners of his recordings (really the only bootleg recordings of the time) into believing that this music was “black music.” Obviously, black music had to “fit” the black stereotype of imprisoned people, right? Wrong! I wish people could have learned earlier that music created by whites and music created by blacks were not all that different-- they were just portrayed that way. I didn’t know this was true until this past week when we wat...