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History rocks (and rolls)
Bessie Smith, Little Richard, The Beatles, Janis Joplin — all of these names have one thing in common: rock ‘n’ roll.
If you’re stuck wondering what classes to take next semester, try this one: The History of Rock and Roll (MUSM 126), with Mark Springer, associate professor of music. This class not only fulfills the university general education requirement, but it can also be taken as an elective for any major.
The History of Rock and Roll is a study of musical elements, styles, cultural/social perspectives and historical developments that influenced the development of modern popular music. This course focuses on the period from approximately 1930 to 1975 and musical developments during that period. In addition, students will learn the artists, innovators and industry names that pioneered and sustained rock and roll music and the social climate that gave rise to and continues to sustain the phenomenon we know as Rock and Roll.
Styles discussed include Tin Pan Alley, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, country and western as well as many different styles of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
Projects also contribute to the course.
“As of right now, projects vary,” Springer said. “Right now the students are assigned to the KVSC listening project, but I am looking forward to taking the Miller Center and using it as a listening component for the class.”
The class is not only fun for the students, but it is fun for the professor, as well.
“I enjoy teaching it quite a bit,” Springer said, who has been teaching the class for six years. “It’s a great subject and I’m very enthusiastic about it. I enjoy taking music in the background in people’s lives and taking it to the foreground.”
The class serves as a road map depicting where rock and roll started and where it is heading in the future, Springer said.
“Students should take it (this course) because it is a great historical perspective on where Rock and Roll came from and where it’s heading,” Springer said. “There’s a reason about why we listen to different things. It is a road map to where we have gotten today.”
Students currently taking the course find the class a unique way to learn about the music industry.
“It’s very interesting on how we get to learn information about the history on famous artists’ and their lives in the past and how the music came to be,” said Craig Vandergon, 21, sophomore.
In addition, the class helps students learn about musical artist they may have never been exposed to before.
“You obtain knowledge about people you listen to everyday and you learn stuff that you have never learned about before,” said Nate Vigness, 21, senior.
As far as Springer’s favorite band, he is a devoted Beatles fan.
“My favorite band would have to be The Beatles,” said Springer. “I am a devoted fan. As a listener, they are very well-crafted.”
If you want any further information, you can contact Springer at (320) 654-5928 or [email protected].
Kateri Wozny can be reached at: [email protected]
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