You will watch a YouTube video (links provided below) of the composers speaking to get a basic idea of his respective concept of music, sound, and art; then, choose the composer you wish to research further. You will then do research into the biography and musical output of the composer to further your understanding of his philosophy on music.

React to his philosophy. Why is it valid? If it differs from your philosophy of music, why are his ideas still valid? How do they expand your way of thinking? These people changed the expectations of music and music produced after their time.

A good paper will have a thesis that tries to argue a point about one composer’s philosophy of music in relation to history or common conceptions of “what music is.” This paper is to be a reaction, yes, but your arguments need to be based in research.