Opera appreciation: an introduction
- Course Code: MD900
- Dates: 25/07/24 - 25/07/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Thu, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Pauline Greene
Course Code: MD900
Duration: 1 session
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.
What is the course about?
This course is for people who are intrigued by opera but don’t know where to start. By focusing on two classics -- Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Bizet’s Carmen -- this course will give you confidence to go and explore the genre and enhance your listening pleasure.
What will we cover?
- A brief introduction to the history of opera
- Introduction to selected musical styles and periods
- Introduction to operatic voices and their use in chosen works.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Feel more confident in exploring operatic works
- Compare and contrast your case study works
- Name individual characters and voice types in at least two operas.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge of music is required but you should have an interest in music and be keen to find out more.
You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and engage in class discussions in English, and take your own notes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, class discussion, guided listening and watching.
Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with options for you to explore further after the course.
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 online after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend our series of Exploring opera courses.
City Lit also has a wide range of otherMusic history courses, both in person and online. You may also be interested in exploring the language of music further through music theory or musicianship courses.
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.
