MTMS Blog
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What is Ecomusicology?
Ecomusicology is a fascinating field where music and the environment meet. Put simply, it studies how music relates to nature and ecology. In addition, it considers how culture, sound, and the environment influence one another. For example, scholars examine how natural soundscapes shape music and listening. Therefore, ecomusicology goes beyond traditional music study. Instead, it…
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What Kids Heard in 2010s Pop: Student Reflections from the Music Lab
Student Reflections on 2010s Pop Music After learning about major pop figures of the 2010s, students returned to the music with fresh ears. First, they explored artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and the viral hit Friday by Rebecca Black. As a result, their listening and history responses clearly reflected the sound of…
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Reggae Roots: Tracing Jamaica’s Musical Revolution
Reggae music is instantly recognizable by its relaxed groove, steady bass lines, and off-beat rhythm. Yet behind that signature sound lies a rich cultural and musical journey that stretches across decades of Jamaican history. Reggae did not appear overnight. Instead, it grew gradually from earlier styles, each one shaping what would become a global movement.…
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Unlocking the Language of Sound: Why Music Theory Matters
In the world of music, we often hear that “it’s all about feel” or “just play from the heart.” And yet behind every moment of spontaneous artistry lies a deep, underlying structure: a language of sound that gives shape, meaning, and power to musical expression. That’s where music theory comes in — not as a…
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A Cappella Through the Ears of Kids
Last month in the Music Lab, students explored A Cappella—music made only with the human voice. They listened to different performances, watched videos, and learned pieces of history. Their observations were thoughtful, honest, and often very detailed.