Best audiobooks for AP Music History

AP Music History explores the rich tapestry of musical evolution across time and cultures. As students dive into this melodious world, having the right resources can greatly enhance their learning journey. This article introduces a curated list of the best audiobooks perfect for AP Music History students.

AP Music History class overview

AP Music History is an advanced-level course designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of the development of music from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The curriculum covers key historical periods such as the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras, alongside their significant composers, stylistic characteristics, and influential works.

It emphasizes critical listening skills to understand and analyze various musical elements such as melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, and form. The course culminates in the AP Music History Exam, where students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical styles, composers, and historical context, alongside their ability to analyze music heard and unseen.

The 9 best audiobooks for AP Music History

Ranging from profound explorations of specific musical eras to intriguing biographies of iconic composers, audiobooks provide an immersive listening experience, broadening your understanding of music history and offering novel insights into the beautiful intersection of sound, culture, and human experience. This article explores some of the best audiobooks for your AP Music History reading list, with comprehensive descriptions to provide an idea of what each offers:

Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring by Jon Burlingame

Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring’s compelling narrative focuses on the evolution of music within the television industry. Drawing from the birth of TV to modern shows, Burlingame expertly analyzes the significant role that music and scores have played in enhancing the viewer’s experience, turning moments into memories. This book gives AP Music History students a comprehensive look at how the music in television themes shaped the industry and audience perception.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermann

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics is a personal and true story of one of America’s most iconic musicians. The audiobook offers profound insight into the life and works of Dolly Parton, a living legend in American music. Parton, with co-author Oermann, delves deep into her journey, unpacking her songs’ lyrics and the personal experiences that shaped them. It provides invaluable firsthand insight into songwriting and the country music industry, enriching the knowledge of AP Music History students.

Country Music: An Illustrated History by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns

An excellent resource on American music history, Country Music: An Illustrated History, also a companion to the BBC’s Ken Burns documentary, delves into the roots of country music, its growth, and its impact on the broader music landscape. The authors, Duncan and Burns, traverse through the origins, evolution, and the global impact of country music. It offers students a unique perspective on this genre, from its grassroots to its contemporary influence.

Anything for a Hit: An A&R Woman’s Story of Surviving the Music Industry by Dorothy Carvello

Anything for a Hit: An A&R Woman’s Story of Surviving the Music Industry takes you behind the scenes of the glamorous façade of the music industry. From her personal experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry to the commercial machinations that drive music trends, this book provides an intriguing analysis of the intersection between business and creativity in the cutthroat music world.

Music: A Subversive History by Ted Gioia

Music: A Subversive History’s approach to music history is a radical departure from traditional narratives. Gioia explores how music, often an expression of counterculture and subversiveness, has consistently pushed societal boundaries and norms. Its unconventional perspective makes it a bestseller among AP Music History students and provides a fresh lens through which to view the subject.

Rock Me on the Water: 1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics by Ronald Brownstein

Rock Me on the Water: 1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics illustrates a year that changed American entertainment forever. In an engaging mix of music history and cultural analysis, Brownstein examines how 1974 marked a sea change in movies, music, television, and politics, particularly in Los Angeles. The audiobook offers a fascinating case study of the intertwining of culture and music history.

Glastonbury 50: The Official Story of Glastonbury Festival by Emily Eavis and Michael Eavis

Glastonbury 50: The Official Story of Glastonbury Festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of the renowned Glastonbury Festival and provides an in-depth look at the event’s history, impact, and evolution. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a world-renowned music festival, this account highlights the profound cultural influence of music events.

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music by Tom Breihan

The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music offers a unique take on pop music history by studying 20 top-charting hits. Analyzing the cultural contexts, artistic innovation, and industry forces behind each hit, it provides a well-rounded understanding of the genre’s history and evolution.

Bruce Springsteen: The Stories Behind the Songs by Brian Hiatt

Bruce Springsteen: The Stories Behind the Songs explores the creative process of one of rock music’s greatest icons – Bruce Springsteen. This intimate examination of Springsteen’s songs, the stories behind them, and their contribution to rock music history offers students unique insights into songwriting and the evolution of rock.

How Speechify can help AP students with coursework

Speechify, an invaluable tool available on iOS, Apple, Android, and web devices, has the potential to change how AP students, especially those studying Music History, tackle their coursework. Whether at home or on a road trip, the app effortlessly converts text from course materials into audio, allowing students to learn music theory fundamentals offline and at their own pace. By listening to lessons, students can absorb information more effectively, enhancing understanding of complex concepts. Whether you’re a budding musician or an avid music enthusiast, Speechify lets you harmonize your learning journey with your lifestyle. It also offers over 200+ lifelike narrator options across various accent options such as English, French, and Greek. Try Speechify for free today.

FAQ

Where is the best place to find Audiobooks?

Audiobooks can be found on Speechify Audiobooks, Audible, Amazon, or Kindle.

Are audiobooks better than podcast?

While both have their advantages, audiobooks are often better for deep, systematic learning because they typically offer comprehensive, organized content based on thorough research or an author’s extensive knowledge, while podcasts might provide more episodic, conversation-based insights that could lack the structure or depth found in a book.

How can audiobooks help you study music history?

Whether you’re a first-time AP Music History student or a seasoned guitarist seeking a more in-depth understanding, audiobooks can help you study music history by providing auditory learners with an engaging way to absorb complex information, historical context, and even examples of musical pieces, thus enhancing understanding and retention.

What are the best books for studying AP Music History?

Some of the best books for studying AP Music History include the audiobooks listed above.

What is the best music genre on earth, according to England?

The best music genre according to England is subjective and can vary widely, but historically, rock and pop music, originating from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, have had a significant impact.

What is the most heartbreaking music genre?

The most heartbreaking music genre is subjective and can depend on personal interpretation, but many people find the blues or certain types of country music to convey strong emotions of heartbreak and sorrow.