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Rock, Rhythm, And Rap, Wayne Helmly

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis suggests an alternative approach to teaching general music/music appreciation to students in grades 7-12 that incorporates the history of rock and roll and pop music. An approach to teaching rhythm reading skills through rap music is also suggested using Rockin ' Rhythm Raps by Cheryl Lavender (1998). Rare is the student that has not been saturated with popular culture during most of his or her lifetime. The case is made that teaching what is relevant to students, namely the history of vernacular music, can contribute significantly to the development of music appreciation. Sixteen lessons are provided. These lessons …