Introduction
A key objective in our approach to remixing a traditional Western Music Appreciation textbook has been to enhance representation. As women, professional musicians, and educators, we have long noted the absence of imagery and musical examples that reflect our own identities in music textbooks. Many of our students are first-generation college attendees, students of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and members of various marginalized communities, and they are seldom represented in these materials. For decades, music appreciation textbooks have largely overlooked women composers along with composers and musicians from other underrepresented groups.
In this edition, we have made a concerted effort to include photographs and examples that showcase diverse populations. In particular, for world music examples, we have prioritized images of performers from the relevant cultural regions. We consider this book a work in progress and remain dedicated to advancing representation in all aspects of music education.
This is indeed a comprehensive textbook, created by integrating several open educational resources. We encourage you, as the instructor, to use the sections most relevant to your teaching goals. Although organized chronologically, the content is designed for flexible use in any sequence you prefer. We’ve aimed to cover the key topics traditionally found in a Western Music Appreciation text while also including specialized subjects from our own teaching that are often absent in other sources.
To support more inclusive representation, we have embedded YouTube videos within the text. Should you encounter any broken links, please use our feedback form to notify us so we can address them promptly.
Dr. Amy McGlothlin is an Associate Professor of Music in the Humanities Department at Fitchburg State University where she is the Director of Bands and the Program Director of the B.A Creative Arts Therapies Program. A professional saxophonist, she is a member of the Pharos Quartet and Triage Woodwinds.
Dr. Jennifer Bill is a faculty member at Boston University where she is a lecturer of music and serves as the director of concert band. A professional saxophonist, she is a member of the Pharos Quartet, the BiND Ensemble, and BRUSH|REED.
