A study in high school music appreciation should hold the attention of, as well as educate, every student attending such a class. This objective should be maintained whether a student can sing or play an instrument. The intent of a high school music appreciation class is not to make professional musicians out of teenagers, but rather for the enjoyment of all kinds of music and to create live music concert patrons. It is just as important to know the music of a particular culture as it is to understand and study its history, literature and art.

Listening to Music Develops the Mind

Music requires just as much mental development as any math or science course in the curriculum. Listening to music is as easy as downloading a tune on an iPod or watching a Youtube video. Why not include interpretations of the some of the greatest composers who ever lived by some of the greatest artists who ever lived to a student’s playlist? Classical music, played by young musicians where possible, can be used to expand a student’s mental boundaries. Music appreciation courses, such as Roger Kamien's Music: An Appreciation, attempt to do exactly this.

Many high schools have marching bands, choirs and string programs. Learning how to play an instrument with some competence is a worthy task. Unfortunately, many times these classes and activities do not include a study of the theory, classification, analysis or historical relevance of some of the most profound music ever written.