Contemporary and popular music studies

Course Description:
This module aims to provide a specialist study of contemporary and popular musical styles through a selective overview of works and genres. Movements related to the birth of modernism and rise of popular music in the twentieth century are examined in their relevant musical, cultural and philosophical contexts. The relationship between artistic creativity and music industry practices offers a further perspective from which students may acquire a detailed understanding of issues such as protest music, musical ‘borrowing’ and the internationalisation of contemporary and popular music [Middlesex University handbook: BMus in performance/composition].