Exploring classical music: module 2
Course Code: MD021B
Available start dates
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 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 Eighteenth century
- the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm etc) and how they work
- the development of styles (Classical, Baroque etc) and genres (Symphony, Cantata etc)
- focus on certain key composers and their works including Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, opera 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 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?
- 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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend Exploring classical music: module 3
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.
