“You are the music while the music lasts” — T.S. Elliot, Four Quartets

Here are some sites and videos to help you better appreciate music appreciation class.

One of the first things one learns in this class is music theory, which is even less enjoyable than its name suggests. There’s no way to really make it spicy; but there are some great websites, such as this one, which tell you all you need to know concisely; the main thing it lacks is a discussion of musical notation (go here for the 401 on that). If you missed class that day (or would like to miss class) those websites should include most of what you need to know.

The cello, pictured with some guy

For instruments, the one above is the only one you need to know and the only one that matters. The cello is, empirically, scientifically, and objectively the most beautiful-sounding instrument; in fact, it is so beautiful that all the other instruments are rather unnecessary.

Joking. Go to this splendid websites for detailed descriptions of each classical instrument (photos are included).

For fun, check out this humorous vid on conductors and different conducting styles good and bad (including one conductor who stands completely still and conducts through facial expressions). See Benjamin Zander try to get you to appreciate classical music in 20 minutes. Or see this fourteen year-old virtuoso pianist improvise a song on the spot out of five random notes.