Task: The Great Divide

Your goal is to make a case for musical power. Who has the most control over our music: the composer, the performer or the consumer? To debate this issue, you will take on the role of an American musician who helped shape today's music.

Your task will be to work in groups of three. Each group member will study a different sphere of American music, choosing one particular musician who emulated a particular style. Together, you will present a debate which argues the point of control of music: Who is most important? The composer? The performer? The consumer (the audience which listens to or purchases the music)?

For resources, you may use:

The internet
Printed music
Recordings of your musician
Live personal performance
Textbooks and materials in the classroom and library

The catch is this: you must debate as if you are the musician you study! Here's your chance to take the stage. Your debate may take on the style of your musician - even with a live performance! You can become whomever you choose.