Music history is a very deep and rich topic that deserves a great deal of exploration. Here, we will start off with an introduction to music appreciation which will then be expanded upon in future analyses.
The main time periods of music history include the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque Age, the Classical Period, the Romantic Era, and the 20th Century. Each of these has its own depth and analysis which helps listeners to understand music more clearly and deeply.
Certainly, listeners can enjoy their favorite music without any background. Having some background, however, helps you to more deeply understand and appreciate the music that you are listening to. You are able to see how one aspect of music builds on another and to know where the music that we hear today comes from.
Many colleges today even have music history classes that allow students to understand the background to this genre that so many enjoy.