Wheaton College Norton, Massachusetts
Wheaton College


Music 298. Experimental Courses

The Business of Music

The overarching goal of the course is for the student to come away with a good general understanding of the contemporary components of the music business and a heightened awareness of its evolving history. The course introduces the student to the music business in the United States, the UK, France and other countries, contextualizing the contemporary scene within a study of the history and evolution of the music business internationally over time. Primary texts will address key issues such as copyright, music publishing, marketing and promotion, artist development and management, and the huge influence of evolving technology on the business. We will gain invaluable perspectives by reading biographies and memoirs of key figures in twentieth century music. The course offers opportunities for deep study of particular subspecialties of the music industry, and for both individual and collaborative group work.


Bach, Handel and the Baroque Style

Why is the music of Bach and Handel regarded as the culmination of the musical Baroque? A look at the lives and works of these two composers against the backdrop of the musical, cultural, social, and political history of 17th- and 18th-century Europe. Lecture, discussion, listening, and live performance. No prerequisites.


J.S. Bach

In a recent article about constructing a list of “the top 10 classical music composers,” Anthony Tommasini, chief music critic of the New York Times, announced, “the winner, the all-time great is . . . Bach!” Why is Bach’s legacy so enduring, his influence so profound, his music so enriching to mind and spirit? Through listening, discussion, lecture and live performance, this course explores these questions. Prerequisites: MUSC 113 or MUSC 114, or permission of the instructor.