Music appreciation covers both liturgical (sacred) and secular Western art music from the major historical periods. The major eras are the Middle Ages and Renaissance (1450-1600) and the Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1820s) and Romantic periods (1820s-1900), as well as music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Courses also examine the lives of major composers, putting their work in context culturally, historically and socially. Representative composers from each period include Leonin and Perotin (Middle Ages), Palestrina (Renaissance), J.S. Bach (Baroque), Mozart (Classical) and Chopin (Romantic).
Music appreciation courses frequently cover some basic music theory concepts, like intervals and harmonies. For example, while composers of the Middle Ages preferred the perfect fourth and fifth, thirds and sixths are increasingly prominent in Renaissance works.
Music appreciation also touches on performance practices from each era and genre. For example, in operas from the bel canto period, the singers composed their own cadenza passages in arias or scenes to highlight their virtuosity.
If you're interested in expanding your musical knowledge, call your local university or community center to inquire about music appreciation courses with open enrollment.