Combining outstanding listening pedagogy with cutting-edge digital resources, THE ESSENTIAL LISTENING TO MUSIC (with Download Card), 2e inspires a lifelong appreciation of music. In this streamlined and succinct book, scholar and master-teacher Craig Wright discusses musical examples from each historical period within its social context--giving you a sense of a piece's construction as well as its historical and cultural meaning. A wide range of resources help you sharpen your listening skills, including online Listening Exercises for most pieces in the book, streaming music, computer-enhanced Active Listening Guides, and chapterwide and critical thinking quizzes. You also can download music covered in the book directly to a music library. The Second Edition is fully integrated with MindTap, giving you the ultimate personal earning experience--from your laptop, tablet, or smart phone. MindTap also includes engaging new animations created by Stephen Malinowski, individual YouTube players, instant audio for most examples in the book, and much more.