The 20th century witnessed dramatic innovations in musical forms and styles. Composers sought the freedom to develop and experiment, with many artists breaking away from the traditional concept of melody and tonal harmony that had been the accepted approach to Western music since the Baroque Period. The 20th century was the first era to have recorded music, electronics, and computers. The 20th century also gave birth to jazz, which today is one of the most important musical art forms in the world. 

For this essay, you will choose a topic that interests you. The topic must be from the 20th or 21st Century and discuss a composer’s innovative contributions to classical, jazz, or non-western music. Biographical information should be brief with a focus of research on the artist’s achievements in a particular style or movement. 

Research Requirements:

1. Research must be from THREE academic peer-reviewed (scholarly) sources.
2. Papers with non-academic research will not be accepted. 
3. Your textbook can count as one of the sources
4. Internet research from Wikipedia, Biography.com, NPR, Blogs, and Encyclopedias is prohibited.
5. Use databases such as JStor, Academic Search Complete, and Oxford Music Online.

Topic Requirements:

1. Composer(s) must be from the 20th or 21st Century
2. You may compare and contrast two composers.
3. Sample topics are listed below.

Content Requirements:

1. Interpretation and analysis of stylistic traits of American music genres.
2. Description of how the music of the period relates to its respective history and culture.
3. Connect important artists and their works to their musical style/time period.
4. Summarize the artist’s approach in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.
5. Present an original thesis developed from the research.
6.  Create a 750 – 1000 word essay (3-4 pages of text)
7.  Include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. (see the included example)