Student Projects


1			Compare and contrast the work of minimalist composers Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Terry Riley, and LaMonte Young. Does the music of these composers share enough features to warrant the stylistic term "minimalist"? If so, what are the common features? If not, what are the differences between each composer's work?




2			Spend some time listening to Indian classical music and compare the sound to the music of Philip Glass. Can you identify any Indian musical techniques that might have influenced Glass? Address such issues as form, rhythmic structure, and timbre.




3			Choose one of the women composers listed in your chapter (Joan Tower, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Barbara Kolb, etc.) and listen to several of her pieces. How would you classify her music with regard to style in terms of the categories you have studied?