I have been teaching Music Appreciation at Sinclair Community College to non-music-majors for years, although music-majors could surely benefit.  Students begin with an overview of the basic mechanics of notation.  We then walk through music history from the single-line Gregorian Chant of the Medieval Era through music of the 20th Century.  Along the way, we take every opportunity to draw connections from historical music to today’s.  Students present analyses of classical and popular music, sing as a group (after a little arm twisting), and generally have a good time.

It would be interesting to teach a course like this outside of the college setting, with no testing or grading.  And the course could easily be adjusted to the interests and experience of the group.  If you would like such a course in the Dayton area (without enrolling in a college to take it) please send me a note with your musical experience, I will compile a list of matching students, and I will try to get meetings off the ground.