1. Price 1
David Wesley Price
CI 350-102
WebQuest
Music Appreciation Standards for West Virginia:
Distinguished
Mastery
Novice
The student, with precision
and self-direction, critically
analyzes music. The student
insightfully describes and
evaluates music and music
performances.
The student is generally
accurate while critically
analyzing, describing and
evaluating music and music
performances. Minor
inaccuracies may occur;
however, there are no
significant gaps in overall
knowledge.
The student, with considerable
assistance, critically analyzes,
describes and evaluates music
and music performances.
There are significant errors.
Introduction:
For this assignment, you will be a famous music critic giving your make-or-break review
of a piece of music in the operatic style. You will use the internet to find a complete audio or
video recording. As you listen, keep in mind that your opinion is well respected. If you hate it,
no one else will listen; if you love it, everyone will. If you feel it is just alright, everyone will
agree. That being said, you have to give the reasons for your opinion. Using the suggested
resources, or ones you find yourself, write a review on a Word document with musical
vocabulary, and background information on the piece of music you found.
Task:
Students will:
find recordings online
research the background of a work
listen to, analyze, and describe music
evaluate music and music performances

2. Price 2
Process:
First, review the resources posted below, or find your own. Familiarize yourself with
musical vocabulary and history. Next locate an audio or video recording of an operatic
performance on the internet. Listen actively and critically. Remember, you are a respected
music critic! Write a review on a Word document which gives your educated opinion on the
performance.
Resources:
Musical Vocabulary
Opera History
Sample reviews
Evaluation:
Excellent A/B
Acceptable C/D
Needs Work E/F
Evaluation of Music
Student shows
evidence of active
and critical listening
Discussion of
Background
Student provides
detailed description
of background
Student shows
he/she has listened
to the piece of
music
Student mentions
background
Student shows no
evidence of
listening to the
piece of music
Student never
mentions
background
Staying In
Character
Student writes as if
he/she is the
specified character
Student uses MLA
format perfectly.
Student
acknowledges the
specified character
Student uses MLA
format with some
mistakes.
Student never
acknowledges the
specified character
Student does not
use MLA format.
Proper Format

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Conclusion:
Now that you are an accomplished music critic, in real life, think of all the ways you can
use your skills! You can research any artistic presentation, not only opera, and develop a
respectable opinion. Your skill in navigating the internet and presenting your thoughts clearly
will come in handy!
You may like to research further topics like:
Orchestral music
Dramatic and comedic theatre
Dance
Poetry
David “Wesley” Price’s Zunal Web Quest