By the end of the course, students will:

1. develop critical thinking skills concerning the musical and social context in which artists work, and gain agency over their music tastes and habits of consumption.

2. establish competency in listening actively to music; achieve skill with analytical methods and vocabulary relevant to their favorite artists and genres; and familiarize themselves with the histories of this music in both the institutional and commercial spheres.

3. confidently advocate for their favorite artists, and securely articulate and justify their tastes. Conversely, students will practice listening generously to others’ music and will respect and value others’ musical taste.