Exploring classical music: module 1
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Course Code: MD021A
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Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
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What is the course about?
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 1 we explore how music works and how it has changed from the Medieval to the early Baroque.
No previous musical knowledge is necessary.
What will we cover?
- A chronological survey of classical music from the Medieval to the early baroque
- Learn a little about the social and historical context for key musical works
- The elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work
- The development of styles (e.g. Renaissance and early baroque) and genres (Gregorian chant, music for Mass, sacred and secular motets, madrigals, trio sonatas, the first operas etc)
- Focus on certain key composers and important works including Perotin, Palestrina and Monteverdi.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand key features of Medieval and Renaissance music
- Show an understanding of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and how they work
- Have an understanding of the development of styles (e.g: Renaissance and early baroque) and genres (Motets, trio sonatas 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 designed as an overview for absolute beginners. However, we will look at some music manuscripts and learn to identify 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.
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 after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend Exploring classical music: module 2
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.
Karen Betley is a clarinettist and music historian, she studied at Goldsmiths university and has taught wind instruments and music history at both Morley College and City Lit whilst performing with her own chamber music ensemble. At City Lit she teaches the ever-popular Exploring Classical Music class and also the Wind ensemble. In 2017 Karen was awarded the Teacher of the Year prize by Lulu on behalf of City Lit.
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.
