This week

Life Lessons

• Feature — Broaden your horizons: Learning about music
• Your Turn — Music online
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Broaden your Horizons: Learning about music

While you probably know a lot about your favorite type of music, it can be a rewarding experience to expand your horizons, discovering artists and types of music that you're not as familiar with. Who knows, you might discover you like certain types of music you never even considered.

For the most part, you are probably only exposed to the music that is played on your favorite radio stations and TV shows, music Web sites, or the music that your friends and family members enjoy. But there are many different types of music out there for your enjoyment. You just need to make an effort to learn about and listen to them.

Have you ever wondered about the history and influences of your favorite types of music? For instance, did you know that rock 'n' roll originated from the blues, and that the blues began as a form of musical expression for African Americans during slavery? Did you know that most hip-hop is heavily influenced by early rhythm 'n' blues and jazz?

There are many fun ways to learn about and hear different musical styles and their historical roots. For instance, if you like hip-hop, listen to some of your favorite CDs and take note of the samples the performers used to create the songs by reading the credits in the CD. Chances are that the artist used parts of older songs to create the music, or the "hook." You can go to the library or online to learn more about the artists that were sampled in your favorite songs and listen to more of their music by checking out CDs from the library or downloading songs online for a small fee.

You can also ask your relatives about the types of music that they enjoy and that were popular when they were growing up. If you have a grandparent that grew up in another country, ask him or her about the music from that country. You can learn so much about culture and history just by paying attention to different types of music and what is being expressed in the songs. There are even people called musicologists that study music from all over the world to learn about history and different cultures.

There are so many different styles of music to learn about, and you owe it to yourself to make an effort to listen to and learn about them.

Back to top

It's a Fact

Music online

There are many resources online that provide interesting historical information about music and the important role it plays in society.

Try visiting the following Web sites:

• Smithsonian — Music
  The Smithsonian Music Web site offers historical information on all types of American music and the different musical instruments used to create it.
  www.smithsonian.org/art_and_design/music
• Instrument Encyclopedia
  This site allows you to explore the diversity and creativity of musical traditions as you browse the gallery or search for a favorite instrument.
  www.si.umich.edu/chico/instrument
• America's Story — See, Hear, and Sing
  Brought to you by the Library of Congress, this site allows you to listen to and learn about songs from America's past.
  www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/sh
• Performing Arts Reading Room
  Another Library of Congress Web site that includes the Library's classified music and book collections, music and literary manuscripts and related artifacts, music-related periodicals and microforms, copyright deposits, and five collections of musical instruments.
  www.loc.gov/rr/perform

Back to top

Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

• Take a day to clean out your room. Give the clothes you have outgrown to charity.
• Organize your desk and drawers.
• Attend any orientation programs your high school may offer.
• Make a list of general school supplies, and be sure to include a daily planner.
• As soon as you receive your locker number and combination, record that information and put it in a safe place. You may need to look it up if you forget it!
• When you receive your class schedule, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teacher names for your parents.
• Plan your schedule for the first few weeks of school.

For seniors

• Take a day to clean out your room. Clear your desk and make sure you have a backpack.
• Look to see if you have any school supplies that you can use again this year. Make a list of needed materials. Don't forget a daily planner to keep up with all your important dates for the year.
• Visit Web sites of colleges you are considering attending. Note any special dates set for visitation, and the critical deadline dates for applications. Place these dates on your personal planner or calendar.
• Upon receipt of your class schedule, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teacher names for your parents.
• Plan your schedule for the first few weeks of school.
• Check with your counselor to make sure you have all your credits for graduation.

For parents

• If your child's school has a Web page, visit that site to review postings of critical dates and events. Record those dates on your family calendar.
• Assist your teen with a "clean room" day. Remove clothes they've outgrown and dispose of other items that will no longer be used. Be certain that a proper study area is available.
• If you have a teenager who will be a freshman this year, verify that all immunizations are current. A booster shot is sometimes required at this age. Check with the school nurse if you are uncertain.
• Discuss your teenager's study plan for the new school year. Every student should spend 1-2 hours nightly from Monday-Thursday in a structured study time.
• As soon as your teen brings home a schedule of classes, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teachers' names. Keep a copy at work as well as at home.
• Assist your senior with any college entrance exam registration fees.
• Join your school's parent/teacher organization. Show your support for education.
• Attend any open house events held in August.

Back to top

Take notice

Important dates

Mark down these dates.

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) or call (866) 756-7346.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

Back to top

All about AIEmail

Subscribe, suggest, review

• To change your e-mail address, change the format in which you receive AIEmail, or cancel your subscription, please visit the AIEmail subscription area (www.AIE.org/AIEmail/subscribe.cfm).
• If you have problems stopping your subscription or have comments about AIEmail, please send a message to webmaster@tgslc.org.
• Visit the AIEmail Archive (www.AIE.org/AIEmail/archive.cfm) for past issues.

Bookmark & Share:

AIE is a free public service of TG.
©2008 Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (www.tgslc.org)