Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026
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.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music. In module 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.
What will we cover?
- A chronological survey of music from high Baroque through the 18th century - the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work - the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (opera, sonata, oratorio, sacred and secular cantata, symphony, concerto etc) - focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera and oratorio by Handel and Mozart and symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have an overview of the development of classical music through the eighteenth century - show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work - have an understanding of the development of styles (Classical, early Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc) - show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is an overview for absolute beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of this topic. We may occasionally look at music manuscripts and point out key features of music notation (how many voices are singing, etc…) so this course will be most suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn. It is also ideal for gap-year students considering a music degree course in future who wish to study a chronological overview of Western classical music genres.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts - Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples - Class discussion and debate - 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?
Please bring a notebook and pen. You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.
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.
Neil Luck is a composer and researcher with a broad range of academic and practical experience in the field of classical music. He is based in London, and currently completing a PhD at the University of York. As a practising composer, his work has been presented internationally, at leading festivals and institutions including the BBC Proms and the Tate Modern. As a teacher and speaker he has given talks, classes and seminars at universities, schools, galleries, and conferences. He has also created and presented radio programmes for stations such as BBC Radio 3 and Resonance FM.
Steven RobinsonSee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
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/exploring-classical-music-21184908Exploring classical music 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history/Courses/Online courses228513141351136317311228513141351<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026</strong></p>001182322Exploring classical music 2219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2026Performing artsMD025B219219Exploring classical music 2219153219Neil Luckexploring-classical-music-2/md025b-2526<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music. <br/>In module 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period. <br/>No previous musical knowledge is necessary.<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026</strong></p>- A chronological survey of music from high Baroque through the 18th century<br/>- the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work <br/>- the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (opera, sonata, oratorio, sacred and secular cantata, symphony, concerto etc)<br/>- focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera and oratorio by Handel and Mozart and symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.- Have an overview of the development of classical music through the eighteenth century<br/>- show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work <br/>- have an understanding of the development of styles (Classical, early Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc)<br/>- show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works.<p>This course is an overview for absolute beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of this topic. We may occasionally look at music manuscripts and point out key features of music notation (how many voices are singing, etc…) so this course will be most suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn. It is also ideal for gap-year students considering a music degree course in future who wish to study a chronological overview of Western classical music genres.</p>- Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts<br/>- Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples<br/>- Class discussion and debate<br/>- 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.Please bring a notebook and pen.<br/>You may also 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>This course continues with <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 3</a>.<br/><br/>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full programme</a> 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 historyvirtual3034315Exploring classical music 2299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2027Performing artsMD025B299299Exploring classical music 2299209299Neil Luckexploring-classical-music-2/md025b-2627<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-04-22 00:00:00<p>This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music.<br/>In part 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period.<br/>No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p><p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>- A chronological survey of music from high Baroque through the 18th century<br/>- the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work <br/>- the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (opera, sonata, oratorio, sacred and secular cantata, symphony, concerto etc)<br/>- focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera and oratorio by Handel and Mozart and symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.- Have an overview of the development of classical music through the eighteenth century<br/>- show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work <br/>- have an understanding of the development of styles (Classical, early Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc)<br/>- show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works.<p>This course is an overview for absolute beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of this topic. We may occasionally look at music manuscripts and point out key features of music notation (how many voices are singing, etc…) so this course will be most suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn. It is also ideal for gap-year students considering a music degree course in future who wish to study a chronological overview of Western classical music genres.</p>- Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts<br/>- Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples<br/>- Class discussion and debate<br/>- 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.Please bring a notebook and pen.<br/>You may also 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>This course continues with <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 3</a>.<br/><br/>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full programme</a> 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 historyvirtual3034327Exploring classical music 2299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-opera-3-MD999-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Performing artsMD030B299299Exploring classical music 2239209299Steven Robinsonexploring-classical-music-2/md030b-2627<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-01-14 00:00:00<p>This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music.<br/>In part 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period.<br/>No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p><p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>- A chronological survey of music from high Baroque through the 18th century<br/>- the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work <br/>- the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (opera, sonata, oratorio, sacred and secular cantata, symphony, concerto etc)<br/>- focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera and oratorio by Handel and Mozart and symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.- Have an overview of the development of classical music through the eighteenth century<br/>- show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work <br/>- have an understanding of the development of styles (Classical, early Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc)<br/>- show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works.<p>This course is an overview for absolute beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of this topic. We may occasionally look at music manuscripts and point out key features of music notation (how many voices are singing, etc…) so this course will be most suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn. It is also ideal for gap-year students considering a music degree course in future who wish to study a chronological overview of Western classical music genres.</p>- Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts<br/>- Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples<br/>- Class discussion and debate<br/>- 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.Please bring a notebook and pen.<br/>You may also 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>This course continues with <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 3</a>.<br/><br/>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full programme</a> 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 historyvirtual219,299,239219,299153,209MD025B,MD030BNONEThu23/04/26 - 02/07/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksEvening,DaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetNeil Luck,Steven RobinsonBeginnersAvailable courses2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026,Apr 2027,Jan 2027Performing arts219219,299Exploring classical music 2exploring-classical-music-2/md025b-2526,exploring-classical-music-2/md025b-2627,exploring-classical-music-2/md030b-2627<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026</strong></p>,<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music. <br/>In module 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period. <br/>No previous musical knowledge is necessary.,<p>This classic music appreciation course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable sacred and secular works and explaining key musical changes at each stage. This module is the one of three forming our beginners’ guide to Western classical music.<br/>In part 2 we explore music and composers from the high Baroque to the early Romantic period.<br/>No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p><p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 16-22 Feb 2026</strong></p>,<p>Do you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break week: 15 Feb or 03 June 2027</strong></p>- A chronological survey of music from high Baroque through the 18th century<br/>- the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work <br/>- the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (opera, sonata, oratorio, sacred and secular cantata, symphony, concerto etc)<br/>- focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera and oratorio by Handel and Mozart and symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.- Have an overview of the development of classical music through the eighteenth century<br/>- show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work <br/>- have an understanding of the development of styles (Classical, early Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc)<br/>- show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works.<p>This course is an overview for absolute beginners. You do not need any previous knowledge of this topic. We may occasionally look at music manuscripts and point out key features of music notation (how many voices are singing, etc…) so this course will be most suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn. It is also ideal for gap-year students considering a music degree course in future who wish to study a chronological overview of Western classical music genres.</p>- Tutor presentation and explanation, including handouts<br/>- Guided listening and watching of audio and audio-visual examples<br/>- Class discussion and debate<br/>- 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.Please bring a notebook and pen.<br/>You may also 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>This course continues with <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 3</a>.<br/><br/>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full programme</a> 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>,<p>This course continues with <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 3</a>.<br/><br/>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full programme</a> 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
