Why take music appreciation in college?

I was fortunate to get to speak with a Music Appreciation Class at West Virginia State University on Thursday. I was asked to share information about the WV Symphony, some of the inner workings, kinds of concerts, etc.

I posed a question at the beginning of the class meeting: Why does your degree program require you to take a music appreciation class?

Well, one question leads to another--how important is music in your life? Much easier to get an answer to that one from the twenty-some twenty-year-olds who are in the class, most of whom entered the room with ear buds attached to the listening device of their choice.

I have challenged them to visit the blog and to comment. I challenge you to do the same. Did anybody out there have to take a music appreciation class? Has it benefited you?