Groundbreaking Women in Rock and Folk: Foundations

ENVC-224

Through song study and performance, this course introduces students to music by groundbreaking women artists from the 1960s, the 1970s, and beyond who were foundational for today’s popular music, especially in the rock, folk, and singer-songwriter genres. These artists were trailblazers who paved the way for women in popular music genres during a time of significant resistance to women as band leaders, lead singers, featured solo artists, and other musical leaders. As Stevie Nicks said, “I definitely broke a big rock 'n' roll glass ceiling." Artists featured include Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Suzanne Vega, Joan Osborne, Sheryl Crow, Odetta, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Joan Armatrading, Linda Ronstadt, Tina Turner, Etta James, Grace Jones, Janis Joplin, Shawn Colvin, and more. The course concludes in a performance in which each student will sing a solo song and background vocals. All students, regardless of their principal instruments, will participate in this course as vocalists. The ensemble will be supported by a four-piece rhythm section.

Credits
1
Prerequisites
PIxx-112, overall ensemble rating of 3, and written approval of course instructor
Required Of
None
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Semesters Offered
Spring
Location
Boston
Department
VOICE
Course Chair
Anne Peckham
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.