Public Speaking in Music and the Arts

4.0 credits

The 21st century has brought not only new challenges but also great potential for innovation and change in music and the arts. It has raised questions about ethics and social justice, pointed to new avenues in computers and artificial intelligence, and expanded our understanding of the where music fits in a broadening soundscape. In this course, students will explore some of the issues facing musicians and creative industries in the 21st century, as they hone public speaking skills and critical and creative thinking. To connect with audiences, good speakers and ambassadors for the arts must make sense of the structure and beauty of music, communicate their own passion, and cultivate a broad understanding of music. They should also practice communicating in a variety of contexts. Students will deliver various types of speeches as they broaden their expressive capabilities and deepen their understanding of their role in the profession.