Introduction to chamber music

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What is chamber music, and how is it different from a Symphony or an opera? What sort of musicians would play chamber music and which periods of music history does it come?
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  • Start Date: 26 Sep 2025
    End Date: 24 Oct 2025
    Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)
    Course Code: MD624
    Tutors:  Pauline Greene
    Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £104.00
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Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0412

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In stock
SKU
238047
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £104.00

What is the course about?

Explore 5 or 6 pieces of famous chamber music, including a string quartet on this course and learn to recognise the main features of chamber music And several different combinations of instruments that are frequently used by composers of the romantic period.

What will we cover?

- A brief historical overview of chamber music styles
- The Composers and their biographies
- carefully chosen sequence of representative works
- Significant musical features
- the difference between programme music and absolute music.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Identify typical chamber musicstyles from various historical periods
- Identify well-known and lesser-known instruments by their sound
- Understand the historical context of each work studies.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Some previous knowledge of classical music is useful but not essential. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, guided listening, and classes exercises.
- Course materials (handouts, and links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.
- You will be encouraged to try extra reading, viewing, and listening outside class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No.

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.

Pauline Greene

Pauline Greene studied composition at Nottingham University and then composed, performed and was Musical Director with various theatre companies. She taught flute and composition, performing her music across the UK at various venues, including the Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Festival, with her group The Concert Party, which she managed and directed. She has taught at the Universities of Middlesex and Hertfordshire, and ran the Music Access course at Morley College. She taught at Birkbeck from 1984-2023, moving from Music to Arts Management, and currently lectures on the MA in Events and Experience Management at Goldsmiths. She has given talks at the Royal Opera House, Wigmore Hall and Glyndebourne. At City Lit Pauline teaches a wide range of music history courses, with specialisms in opera, music for dance, theatre and film, musical analysis, and music since 1900. She is still involved in the organisation of small-scale charity concerts and one-off musical events, and she sings and plays with several small groups.

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.