Developing A Personal Aesthetic For Music

As part of the Music Appreciation course this quarter, students develop and apply their own personal aesthetic criteria for evaluating music. Students first work at developing an understanding of musical terms and elements. They explore different world cultures while critically analyzing the unique ways the musical elements are used. After developing a firm foundation and understanding of musical elements/terms, students develop a presentation analyzing two music examples (one they enjoy and one they dislike) outlining their own personal aesthetic.

a male student sits at a computer looking at images of guitars

By developing an individual musical aesthetic students can better articulate to others their preference for music in different social situations. Prior to this activity students might be able to outline music examples they enjoy, but after they have clear language and examples they can share with others. This can support efforts with collaborative problem solving and controlling an individual’s social memory.

a male and a female students work together on a computer

This class activity shows some of the best practices in education. We spend time developing an understanding of musical terms/elements through interactive learning activities such as researching world cultures, student developed content, and students teaching others. Then we apply this foundational knowledge to the music students use in their life outside of the classroom environment , connecting personal life and/or work experiences to topics thus increasing knowledge and thinking to advance beyond class outcomes.


Here’s what the students had to say about the activity:

students work at computers in a classroom

“My experience with developing a language to talk about music is that it has become more colorful, and others are able to better understand what I’m talking about. My personal aesthetic for evaluating music is music that tells a story, or is very colorful.” Zach

“Developing a language to talk about music has been glorious.” Harmony

“I’ve never really evaluated music thoroughly before this class. I’ve always evaluated by how good it is to walk to. Developing a language to talk about has been a wonderful experience.” Sabine

“It’s been great learning and developing my knowledge about musical world culture, and it has changed the way I listen to music.” Tatiana



Music Appreciation is one of the many courses OLS Students take to obtain their associate degree from OLS. More information about our curriculum is available on our website. To learn more about our program register for an Information Session.

Last Updated March 26, 2019