Answer the following prompt in approximately two (2) pages:

1. Select either the Hendrix or Marie performances of the U.S. national anthem and analyze it in relation to our core course questions about U.S. American music and identity. What does the performance propose as U.S. American identity? What statements does the performance make about the definition of U.S. American music? Do you see the performance as an example of disidentification or not? Why so? If not, how would you theorize it? Make sure to analyze the sonic, visual, venue, audience, or other aesthetic elements of the performance to support your claims.

Answer your choice of one (1) of the following prompts in approximately two (2) pages:

2. In what ways has the music industry had a hand in defining who or what is “American”? How do race and gender factor into this? What about technology? Give a broad and comprehensive answer that reflects back on the course as a whole. Then offer two (2) examples of artists, genres, or pieces that illustrate your point. Please be specific in your historical and cultural detail as well as in your analysis of sonic elements of your examples.

3. What is migration and how has it shaped U.S. American music? Give a detailed definition of “migration” and the types of social, political, economic, etc. processes this term describes. Then, discuss how the concept of migration pertains to music in the U.S. Why or how has this impacted the creation or consumption of musical cultures? Are there particular historical moments when migration has been more impactful or has it been an important influence throughout U.S. musical history? Give two (2) musical examples that illuminate the meaning of the term and two different perspectives on how it relates to music. Please be specific in your historical and cultural detail as well as in your analysis of sonic elements of your examples.

Answer your choice of one (1) of the following prompts in approximately two (2) pages:

4. What is one tradition/style/genre we did not talk about in class but that you would like to see included? Why so? How does this tradition fit into the broader story of U.S. American music? How might it change the portrait of U.S. American music provided in this class? Why would it be useful to include in this course? Be specific about where in the flow of the course you would introduce this tradition, what other genres you would relate it to, what themes or concepts it illuminates, and an artist or piece you would use as an example for analysis.

5. What is your definition of “American music”? Why? Whatever your criteria, discuss how you came to your definition and the social and political stakes of your choice. Is it useful to define American music? Why or why not? What does talking about American music do or serve politically, beyond musical or intellectual concerns?