Assignment #2 (Due Sept 23)

Choose any one of the three songs below.

Regina Spektor -- "Fidility"
Harry Connick, Jr. -- "Hear Me in the Harmony"
Justin Timberlake -- "Love Stoned / I Think She Knows Interlude"

Write a short (typed) essay in which you describe its Melody, Harmony, Rhythm and general Form. Remember to make use of the terminology you have learned this week.

Some ideas:

Regarding the “Melody” you could identify the melody and explain why you think it is a successful melody or not. Talk about the melodic contour, the type of motion (generally conjunct or disjunct notes), and range.

Regarding the “Harmony” you could include who or what is performing the harmony and what makes up the harmonies of this song. You may also mention consonance and dissonance, chord progressions and so one.

Regarding the “Rhythm” you could describe how you think it contributes to the song. You may also talk about the meter of the song and mention if there is polyrhythm and/or syncopation.

Also say how you think the music (melody, harmony & rhythm) contribute to the lyrics (or not).

Proper essay form:

Remember that a proper essay should have in introductory paragraph, some body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The introduction and conclusion should resonate. Your essay should also include a clear heading in the top left corner (with your name, name of this class and the date the assignment is due). There should also be a title which should be centered.

Any essay which does not comply with the basic principles of academic essay writing will not be graded.