Group Discussion of Lecture: "Is John Cage's 4'33" music?" by Prof.

Julian Dodd

Name:

With your group, discuss the following questions. While you discuss (or after you finish) fill out
each answer with a brief summary of your group’s opinions and discussion. If people in your
group disagree, explain the controversy. Write at least one or two sentences for each answer
(but longer answers are okay). You will submit this document on NEO after your discussion.

1. What was the main idea of this lecture? What did the professor want to persuade his
audience of?

2. How did Dodd support his argument?

3. Do you all agree with Dodd’s ideas in the lecture? Why or why not? (Everyone in the
group should explain their opinion.)

4. In the video at 12:20, Dodd describes another work by John Cage called “Imaginary
Landscape No. 4,” which is played by 24 people using 12 radios. Do you consider this
piece to be music? Why or why not?

5. What did you all think of Dodd’ speaking style and accent? Was there anything that was
unclear?