INSTRUCTIONS

1. Freely explore the musical tree above.
2. Divide your life into 5-year increments on paper (or on your computer).
   • ex: 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years...etc.
3. Write about 1 or 2 of your most memorable musical experiences in each 5 years. When you think about the first 5 years of your life what musical experience comes to mind? It could be a lullaby your mother or father sang to you or a favorite Saturday morning cartoon jingle. As you get further it could be your first concert with friends or a concert you participated in in high school.
4. After going through each of your 5 year spans answer the following prompts about your musical heritage.
   • Were the majority of your musical experiences a live musical experience or listening to recorded music? Do you believe that one creates a more memorable experience than the other?
   • Why were these the experiences you picked to represent every 5 years? Do you have a stronger sentimental or emotional attachment to these experiences over others?
   • This course is a survey of the history of Popular Music in America, or in other words the popular musical heritage of the American zeitgeist. You will be introduced to many different styles, some of which may not be to your liking. Good! If we only listened to what we liked we wouldn't learn as much. My goal for you is not to convert you into a metalhead or a cool cat but to help you understand the roots of where your favorite music comes from and learn how to appreciate it. What is something you can do to remain open to new styles and sounds that are outside of your musical heritage as you go through this course?
5. For this assignment there is not a minimum word count requirement but please make sure you answer all of the questions and prompts thoroughly. 

GRADES

You will be graded on fully answering the writing prompt using critical thinking skills and writing skills.

Please review the rubric below on which you will be graded carefully.