Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This ten‑session course offers an engaging introduction to the wide‑ranging landscape of classical music today. We will explore key musical trends, influential composers, evolving performance practices, and the changing role of classical music within contemporary culture. From new orchestral voices and genre‑blurring innovators to digital technologies, sound installations, and global perspectives, this course provides a broad overview of how classical music is created, performed, and experienced in the present moment. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain insight into the dynamic and diverse world of classical music now.
What will we cover?
Our studies will encompass: • Definitions and challenges: contemporary, modern, and new music • Prominent 21st century composers • Lasting influence of minimalist and process based styles • New harmonic, rhythmic, and timbral directions • Cross genre collaborations • Electronic and electroacoustic composition • Digital tools: sampling, looping, processing • Multimedia performance, installation, and immersive environments • Contemporary opera and vocal theatre • International connections in today’s composition scene • Intercultural influences and musical hybridity • Virtuosity, extended techniques, and performer composer collaboration • Site specific work, sound installations, and ecological themes • Music responding to climate, nature, and the environment • Social media, virtual concerts, and audience engagement • Speculating on the evolving identity of classical music
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify key trends, styles, and figures in contemporary classical music • Understand the cultural and technological forces shaping music today • Recognise the diversity of approaches within 21st‑century composition and performance • Discuss how classical music fits into the broader artistic and social landscape of our time
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You do not need any particular skills just an interest in thinking about a wide range of different types of music critically.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
Edward is a composer who studied at Cambridge and Trinity Laban. He teaches composition and music history at City Lit, Morley College and Trinity Laban Junior Department, and writes about music for The Wire (UK) and Positionen (Germany). His latest work includes a commission for the London Contemporary Music Festival 2024. Previous significant work includes “Flower” (recorded by the BBC at the Aldeburgh Festival 2019 and broadcast on the New Music Show), “One Two” (Cologne 2022), Will (Oslo and Cambridge), “Hold” (Huddersfield 2017), and “Tape Piece” ( LCMF 2015). Since 2013 Ed has worked with Bastard Assignments curating, performing and contributing work to regular shows in London and internationally. Their performances at Southbank Centre (2016) and Wellcome Collection (2017) were broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and they have featured in articles in the Guardian, Telegraph, Financial Times, Frieze, and Neue Zeitschrift für Musik. In 2024 a profile on the group, “Family Dynamics,” was broadcast in Germany. They have been commissioned for a large scale performance in Norway, Denmark and London in 2025 and 2026, and “House” for Musik Installationen Nürnberg in 2025.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/classical-music-today3034531Classical music todayhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history22851314135113631228513141351<p>Explore the vibrant multi-media world of classical music in the 21st century.</p>003034378Classical music today299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2027Performing artsMD612B299299Classical music today239209299Edward Hendersonclassical-music-today/md612b-2627<p>Explore the vibrant multi-media world of classical music in the 21st century.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-12 00:00:00<p>This ten‑session course offers an engaging introduction to the wide‑ranging landscape of classical music today. We will explore key musical trends, influential composers, evolving performance practices, and the changing role of classical music within contemporary culture. From new orchestral voices and genre‑blurring innovators to digital technologies, sound installations, and global perspectives, this course provides a broad overview of how classical music is created, performed, and experienced in the present moment. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain insight into the dynamic and diverse world of classical music now.</p><p>Explore the vibrant multi-media world of classical music in the 21st century.</p><p>Our studies will encompass:<br>• Definitions and challenges: contemporary, modern, and new music<br>• Prominent 21st century composers<br>• Lasting influence of minimalist and process based styles<br>• New harmonic, rhythmic, and timbral directions<br>• Cross genre collaborations<br>• Electronic and electroacoustic composition<br>• Digital tools: sampling, looping, processing<br>• Multimedia performance, installation, and immersive environments<br>• Contemporary opera and vocal theatre<br>• International connections in today’s composition scene<br>• Intercultural influences and musical hybridity<br>• Virtuosity, extended techniques, and performer composer collaboration<br>• Site specific work, sound installations, and ecological themes<br>• Music responding to climate, nature, and the environment<br>• Social media, virtual concerts, and audience engagement<br>• Speculating on the evolving identity of classical music</p><p>• Identify key trends, styles, and figures in contemporary classical music<br>• Understand the cultural and technological forces shaping music today<br>• Recognise the diversity of approaches within 21st‑century composition and performance<br>• Discuss how classical music fits into the broader artistic and social landscape of our time</p>You do not need any particular skills just an interest in thinking about a wide range of different types of music critically.Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.<br>You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.<p>You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual239299209MD612BNONETue12/01/27 - 16/03/2713:30 - 15:3013:3015:3010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEdward HendersonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027Performing arts299299Classical music todayclassical-music-today/md612b-2627<p>Explore the vibrant multi-media world of classical music in the 21st century.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-12 00:00:00<p>This ten‑session course offers an engaging introduction to the wide‑ranging landscape of classical music today. We will explore key musical trends, influential composers, evolving performance practices, and the changing role of classical music within contemporary culture. From new orchestral voices and genre‑blurring innovators to digital technologies, sound installations, and global perspectives, this course provides a broad overview of how classical music is created, performed, and experienced in the present moment. Through guided listening, discussion, and contextual study, participants will gain insight into the dynamic and diverse world of classical music now.</p><p>Explore the vibrant multi-media world of classical music in the 21st century.</p><p>Our studies will encompass:<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Definitions and challenges: contemporary, modern, and new music<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prominent 21st century composers<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lasting influence of minimalist and process based styles<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;New harmonic, rhythmic, and timbral directions<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cross genre collaborations<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Electronic and electroacoustic composition<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Digital tools: sampling, looping, processing<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Multimedia performance, installation, and immersive environments<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Contemporary opera and vocal theatre<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;International connections in today’s composition scene<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Intercultural influences and musical hybridity<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Virtuosity, extended techniques, and performer composer collaboration<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Site specific work, sound installations, and ecological themes<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Music responding to climate, nature, and the environment<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Social media, virtual concerts, and audience engagement<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Speculating on the evolving identity of classical music</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Identify key trends, styles, and figures in contemporary classical music<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand the cultural and technological forces shaping music today<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recognise the diversity of approaches within 21st‑century composition and performance<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Discuss how classical music fits into the broader artistic and social landscape of our time</p>You do not need any particular skills just an interest in thinking about a wide range of different types of music critically.Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.<br>You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.<p>You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
