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Florence Price


Course
Mark Schuster
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Explore the life and legacy of Florence Price, a pioneering African-American composer, through her major works and musical innovations.

This comprehensive course on Florence Price, the first African-American woman recognized as a symphonic composer, takes you on a journey through her remarkable life and career. Spanning eight modules, the course covers her biography, highlighting her early years, education, and the challenges she faced. You will delve into the historical significance and cultural influence of her work, examining how her background shaped her compositions. The course provides an overview of Price's major works, including an in-depth study of her Symphony in E Minor and Piano Concerto in One Movement. You'll explore how she integrated African-American musical elements into classical music and assess her role within the Harlem Renaissance. Through analysis of her musical style and techniques, discover how Price's innovative contributions continue to inspire future generations. Finally, you'll examine the recent revival of her music and its impact on contemporary audiences. Perfect for anyone interested in music history, this course offers valuable insights into the legacy of a trailblazing composer.

Here is the course outline:

1. Introduction to Florence Price

This module introduces students to Florence Price, offering a brief overview of her life and work. It sets the stage for understanding her significance in American music history.

Florence Price: A Trailblazing Composer
Historical Context and Significance
Cultural Roots and Influences
Quiz

2. Florence Price's Biography and Early Life

Explore the early years, education, and career beginnings of Florence Price, highlighting the influences that shaped her as a composer.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Overcoming Barriers
Florence Price as an Educator
Quiz

3. Major Works and Musical Style

Identify and describe the major works of Florence Price, examining her unique musical style and techniques.

Key Compositions and Achievements
Musical Style and Innovation
Contributions to Music Theory
Quiz

4. The Symphony in E Minor and Piano Concerto

Study the Symphony in E Minor and the Piano Concerto in One Movement to understand their significance and structure.

Symphony in E Minor: An In-Depth Study
Piano Concerto in One Movement
Developing Listening and Analysis Skills
Quiz

5. Cultural Influence and African-American Elements

Analyze how Price's cultural background influenced her compositions, focusing on the integration of African-American musical elements into classical music.

Cultural Influence on Composition
Integration of African-American Elements
The Revival of Price's Music
Quiz

6. Florence Price and the Harlem Renaissance

Assess Price’s contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her collaboration with other artists during this cultural movement.

Florence Price and the Harlem Renaissance
Collaborations with Artists
Facing Challenges in a Changing Era
Quiz

7. Legacy, Recognition, and Revival

Discuss the legacy of Florence Price, including the recognition she received and the recent revival of her music.

Recognition and Awards
Florence Price's Enduring Legacy
The Modern Revival of Her Music
Quiz

8. Summary and Performance Practice

Summarize the course by reviewing key learnings and exploring performance practice techniques for interpreting Price’s compositions.

Course Summary and Key Learnings
Listening and Interpretation Skills
Performance Practice of Price's Works
Quiz
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