Discovering Classical Music

Course Title: Discovering Classical Music

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 40

Session Titles

1. Introduction: Holst’s The Planets

2. Concepts 1: Colours

3. Concepts 2: Pictures

4. Concepts 3: Stories

5. Concepts 4: Dialogue and Conflict

6. Structures 1: Dances

7. Structures 2: Variations

8. Structures 3: Rondo

9. Structures 4: Sonata Form

10. Genres 1: Symphony

11. Genres 2: Concerto

12. Genres 3: Choral Music

13. Genres 4: Chamber Music

14. Genres 5: Art Song

15. Genres 6: Fugue

16. Genres 7: Opera

17. Periods 1: Renaissance and Baroque (16th and 17th century)

18. Periods 2: Classical (18th century)

19. Periods 3: Romantic (19th century)

20. Periods 4: Modern/Postmodern (20th/21st centuries)

Course Overview

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

On this course your tutor invites you to join them on a journey to discover new ways to understand classical music, without any of the obscure jargon. Knowing who, how, and why people created, played, and listened to music makes it much easier to relate to the deeper levels of texture and structure that lie behind the sounds we hear.

The course is suitable for people with or without previous knowledge of classical music. On the course you will gain fresh perspectives on some famous works of classical music, and you will have opportunities to discover some less well-known pieces along the way.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Understand what kinds of stories composers tell through music and identify some of the methods composers use to tell them.
• Identify some of the historical and regularly-used stories we can discover through music.
• Understand some of the ways in which historical music has been shaped by the social and cultural context of the time in which it was produced and later appreciated.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in an online setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, online discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.