History of Rock, Part One

  • 4.8
Approx. 13 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course provides an in-depth look at the history and evolution of rock music, from its roots in blues and country to its current forms. Students will explore the social and cultural influences that shaped the genre and its impact on popular culture.

Key Learning Points

  • Learn about the origins of rock music and how it evolved into the diverse forms we know today
  • Understand the role of key artists and their impact on the genre
  • Explore the social and cultural context that shaped the development of rock music

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

  • Music Journalist
    • USA: $45,000 - $75,000
    • India: INR 3,00,000 - INR 5,00,000
    • Spain: €20,000 - €35,000
  • Music Historian
    • USA: $50,000 - $85,000
    • India: INR 3,50,000 - INR 6,00,000
    • Spain: €25,000 - €40,000
  • Music Educator
    • USA: $40,000 - $70,000
    • India: INR 2,50,000 - INR 4,50,000
    • Spain: €18,000 - €30,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and evolution of rock music
  • Develop a deeper appreciation for the role of rock music in shaping popular culture
  • Understand the social and cultural context that influenced the development of rock music

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior knowledge or experience in music is required
  • Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Self-paced online course
  • Video lectures
  • Quizzes and assignments

Similar Courses

  • The Beatles and Their Music
  • The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Rolling Stone
  • AllMusic

Related Books

Description

This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.

Outline

  • Introduction
  • Introduction
  • Welcome to the Course
  • General Overview
  • Syllabus
  • Grading and Logistics
  • Music Fundamentals
  • Listening Guides (19 videos)
  • About the Professor
  • The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)
  • The Music Business in the First Half of the 20th Century
  • Radio and Regional vs National Audiences
  • The Stars of Pop Music Before Rock and Roll
  • Les Paul, Inventor - The Role of Technology
  • Origins of Country & Western (pre WWII)
  • The Rise of Nashville
  • Rhythm and Blues (Pre 1945)
  • Rhythm & Blues (Post 1945)
  • Regional R&B Radio in the 1950s
  • Doo Wop and Gospel
  • Hokum Blues and Sexual Lyrics
  • The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-59)
  • The Rise of Youth Culture in the 1950s
  • Radio and Records
  • Crossovers and Covers
  • The First Rock and Rollers Cross Over
  • The Rise of Elvis Presley
  • Sam Phillips Selling Elvis Contract
  • Rockabilly in the Wake of Elvis
  • The Day the Music Died
  • The World Before Rock and Roll and The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll
  • The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63)
  • Audiences and Marketing - The Search for the Next Elvis
  • The Brill Building Approach to Pop
  • Teen Idols
  • Producers and Girl Groups
  • Sweet Soul
  • TV, Movies, and Dance Crazes
  • The Folk Revival
  • Rockabilly Popsters
  • Surf Music
  • The Beatles and the British Invasion (1964-66)
  • Introduction
  • The Early 1960s in the US & UK
  • The Rise of the Beatles
  • Beatles as Students of American Pop Music
  • Beatles From Craftsmen to Artists
  • Blues in the UK
  • The Rolling Stones Emerge
  • The Stones in The States
  • Other British Bands
  • The Kinks and the Who
  • The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63) and The Beatles and the British Invasion (16964-66)
  • American Responses (1965-67)
  • Dylan as the New American Songwriter
  • Dylan Goes Electric
  • Folk Rock and the Byrds
  • The Phil Spector Legacy
  • Meanwhile, Back East
  • Garage Bands
  • TV Rock
  • Motown Pop and Southern Soul (1960-69)
  • Preamble
  • Hitsville, USA: Motown
  • The Motown Performers
  • Soulsville, USA: Stax and Southern Soul (7:25)
  • The Stax Performers (12:06)
  • Motown, Stax, the British Invasion, and the American Response (6:37)
  • James Brown (12:44)
  • American Responses and Motown Pop and Southern Soul
  • Psychedelia (1966-69)
  • LSD, Music, and the Trip
  • The Beginnings of the Hippie Aesthetic
  • Pushing the Envelope Beatles and Beach Boys
  • Psychedelia in San Francisco - Subculture
  • Psychedelia in San Francisco – Important Groups
  • Psychedelia in London and Underground Favs
  • Psychedelia in London – Mainstream Stars
  • Los Angeles and Elsewhere
  • A Hippie Nation
  • Final Exam
  • Final Exam

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fascinating history of Rock music through this engaging and informative course. Students rave about the in-depth analysis of the genre's evolution and the engaging teaching style of the instructor.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

In-depth analysis of the evolution of Rock music

Pros from User Reviews

  • Engaging and informative teaching style
  • Broad range of topics covered
  • Access to high-quality resources and materials
  • Flexible schedule allows for self-paced learning

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some students found the course to be too basic or introductory
  • A few technical issues with the online platform were reported
  • The course may not be suitable for those with a limited background in music theory
English
Available now
Approx. 13 hours to complete
John Covach
University of Rochester
Coursera

Instructor

John Covach

  • 4.8 Raiting
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