Lesson 1: The Art of Storytelling
Objective:
Understand how classical storytelling influences modern songwriting, with a focus on how artists like Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift incorporate narrative techniques similar to those used by ancient Roman and Latin writers such as Virgil and Ovid.
Resources:
1. Reading Material:
- Explore segments from Virgil’s "Aeneid" and Ovid's "Metamorphoses" available on [Theoi Classical Texts Library](https://www.theoi.com/Text/VirgilAeneid1.html).
- Compare these to lyrics from Bob Dylan's "Tangled Up in Blue" and Taylor Swift's "All Too Well," available on [Genius Lyrics](https://genius.com).
2. Video Analysis:
- Watch "The Storytelling Techniques of Taylor Swift" on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com) to understand how she crafts her narratives.
- Explore "The Evolution of Bob Dylan’s Songwriting" also available on YouTube for insights into his lyrical progression.
Exercises:
1. Narrative Identification:
- Choose one song by Bob Dylan and one by Taylor Swift. Identify the main narrative, the characters involved, and the emotional journey described. Document how these elements compare to a classical story from Virgil or Ovid.
2. Creative Writing:
- Write a short verse or chorus that uses a classical myth as the foundation. Try to mimic the songwriting style of either Dylan or Swift, focusing on how they might tell this ancient story in a modern context.
3. Discussion Forum:
- Participate in an online forum discussion on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/musicology/) or a similar platform, where you can post your analysis of how ancient storytelling influences modern music. Engage with feedback from others to refine your understanding.
Further Study:
- Enroll in a course on classical literature or modern musicology available on platforms like [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org) or [Khan Academy](https://www.khanacademy.org) to deepen your knowledge of literary and musical analysis.
This lesson combines direct study, creative application, and community interaction to provide a comprehensive learning experience that connects ancient cultural expressions with modern music storytelling.