Listening Journal Assignment – Instructions
The Artist and Song this week is B.B. King, The Thrill is Gone. You have the song available to you at the bottom the page. Read the instructions, listen to the song, then do some research to get all the info the instructions say you need to have.
The purpose of this listening journal is to help you practice active, informed listening and to connect the music you hear with its historical and cultural context.
Important: This is not a formal paper. You are expected to write a couple of well-written, complete paragraphs(typically 2–3). Your writing should be clear, organized, and thoughtful, but it does not need a formal thesis, citations, or a bibliography.
Your listening journal must include the following elements:
- Composer Information
- The composer’s full name
- Dates of birth and death
- A brief biographical overview (a few sentences) that highlights who the composer was and why they are significant
- Historical Context of the Piece
- When the piece was written or premiered
- What was happening historically, culturally, or musically during that time
- Any relevant circumstances that influenced the composition (commission, political climate, personal events, stylistic movement, etc.)
- Reception by Society
- How the piece was received when it was first performed or published
- Was it praised, criticized, controversial, ignored, or misunderstood?
- If reception changed over time, briefly explain how and why
Writing Expectations:
- Write in complete sentences and paragraphs
- Use your own words (paraphrasing is expected)
- Be concise but thoughtful
- Proofread for grammar, clarity, and spelling
Length:
- 2–3 well-developed paragraphs
- Quality matters more than length
This assignment is meant to show that you understand both the music itself and the world it came from, not just that you can summarize facts.