Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.
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 course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage. In module 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.
What will we cover?
- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present - the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work - the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.) - Focus on certain key composers and their works from Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others - the social and historical context for key musical works.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have an overview of the development of Western classical music from the early 19th century onwards - Understand the elements of music and how they work in this period - Understand the development of styles and genres in this period - Show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works, in their social and historical context.
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, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study. Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend or take part in live performances.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course is followed by Exploring classical music 4, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works. You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of Music history courses. For more information, visit our Guide to the Music history programme.
Edward teaches music history and theory at City lit. His specialism is early music (medieval, renaissance and baroque) and he completed a PhD in historical musicology at King's College London (2013) on the performance of medieval music. Outside of teaching, Edward is a regular contributor to Gramophone magazine and has lectured for Dartington International Summer School, London's Southbank Centre and The British Library. He has also worked as a researcher for BBC Proms and written for the journal Early Music (OUP). His essays are published in: The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Historical Performance in Music, (Cambridge University Press); The Montpellier Codex: Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Music 16 (Boydell Press); Recomposing the Past: Representations of Early Music on Stage and Screen (Ashgate 2018); and 30-Second Classical Music (Ivy Press).
Neil LuckSee moreSee less
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-31184911Exploring classical music 3https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history22851314135113631228513141351Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.001182355Exploring classical music 3219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2026Performing artsMD030C219219Exploring classical music 3175153219Edward Breenexploring-classical-music-3/md030c-2526Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00This course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage.<br/>In module 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present<br/>- the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work<br/>- the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.)<br/>- Focus on certain key composers and their works from Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others<br/>- the social and historical context for key musical works.- Have an overview of the development of Western classical music from the early 19th century onwards<br/>- Understand the elements of music and how they work in this period<br/>- Understand the development of styles and genres in this period<br/>- Show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works, in their social and historical context.<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, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br/>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br/>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend or take part in live performances.This course is followed by Exploring classical music 4, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works.<br/>You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-historytarget=_blank">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programmetarget=_blank">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.MusicMusic historyvirtual3034318Exploring classical music 3229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-24T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Performing artsMD025C229229Exploring classical music 3229160229Neil Luckexploring-classical-music-3/md025c-2627<p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-09-24 00:00:00<p>This course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage.<br/>In part 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p><p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p><p>- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present<br/>- the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work<br/>- the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.)<br/>- Focus on certain key composers and their works from Clara Schumann, Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others<br/>- the social and historical context for key musical works</p>- Have an overview of the development of Western classical music from the early 19th century onwards<br/>- Understand the elements of music and how they work in this period<br/>- Understand the development of styles and genres in this period<br/>- Show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works, in their social and historical context.<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, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br/>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br/>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend or take part in live performances.<p>This course is followed by <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 4</a>, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works.<br/>You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual3034330Exploring classical music 3299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2027Performing artsMD030C299299Exploring classical music 3239209299Steven Robinsonexploring-classical-music-3/md030c-2627<p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-04-15 00:00:00<p>This course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage.<br/>In part 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p><p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p><p>- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present<br/>- the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work<br/>- the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.)<br/>- Focus on certain key composers and their works from Clara Schumann, Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others<br/>- the social and historical context for key musical works</p>- Have an overview of the development of Western classical music from the early 19th century onwards<br/>- Understand the elements of music and how they work in this period<br/>- Understand the development of styles and genres in this period<br/>- Show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works, in their social and historical context.<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, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br/>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br/>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend or take part in live performances.<p>This course is followed by <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 4</a>, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works.<br/>You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual175,229,239219,229,299153,160,209MD030C,MD025CNONEMon,Thu20/04/26 - 06/07/2611:00 - 12:3011:0012:3010 sessions (over 12 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley Street,OnlineEdward Breen,Neil Luck,Steven RobinsonBeginnersAvailable courses2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-24T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026,Sep 2026,Apr 2027Performing arts219219,229,299Exploring classical music 3exploring-classical-music-3/md030c-2526,exploring-classical-music-3/md025c-2627,exploring-classical-music-3/md030c-2627Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.,<p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00This course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage.<br/>In module 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.,<p>This course will lead you on a fascinating journey through the history and development of Western classical music, guiding you through a selection of notable styles and works, explaining key musical changes at each stage.<br/>In part 3 we explore music and composers from the early 19th century onwards. No previous musical knowledge is necessary.</p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic music on this informative course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge.,<p>Do you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and early 20th century music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. <strong>Break weeks: 03, 31 May 2026</strong></p>- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present<br/>- the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work<br/>- the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.)<br/>- Focus on certain key composers and their works from Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others<br/>- the social and historical context for key musical works.,<p>- chronological survey of Western classical music from Romantic to the present<br/>- the fundamental elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work<br/>- the development of styles and genres (symphony, Lied, tone poem etc.)<br/>- Focus on certain key composers and their works from Clara Schumann, Berlioz and Wagner to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and many others<br/>- the social and historical context for key musical works</p>- Have an overview of the development of Western classical music from the early 19th century onwards<br/>- Understand the elements of music and how they work in this period<br/>- Understand the development of styles and genres in this period<br/>- Show specific knowledge of certain key composers and their works, in their social and historical context.<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, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.<br/>Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.<br/>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend or take part in live performances.This course is followed by Exploring classical music 4, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works.<br/>You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-historytarget=_blank">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programmetarget=_blank">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.,<p>This course is followed by <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/exploring-classical-music-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Exploring classical music 4</a>, which explores music since c.1900 in more detail, including much more recent composers and works.<br/>You may also be interested in other focussed topics in City Lit's wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history courses</a>. For more information, visit our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guide to the Music history programme</a>.</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
