Introduction

Understanding Music: Past and Present BMCC Edition is an adaptation carefully updated to meet the specific needs of the learning community at Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY. While the spirit and core content of the original book remain intact, this edition features thoughtful edits, revisions, and additions designed to make the material more accessible, engaging, and relevant for our students. Created in close collaboration with OER librarian Rachael Nevins—whose expertise in textual editing, open educational resource integration, and digital accessibility has been indispensable—this work is conceived not only as a practical and adaptable tool for instruction, but also as an invitation to inquiry, reflection, and deeper understanding.

This adaptation was made possible by the BMCC Open Education and Open Knowledge Initiative. This initiative is supported by the CUNY Office of Library Services (OLS) and funded by the New York State Education Department.