Music   

When we think of Beethoven, we commonly think of his 5th and 9th Symphony (which includes the famous Ode to Joy), the Moonlight Piano Sonata and the piano piece, Für Elise. However, he composed many other great symphonies, piano sonatas, choral and vocal works, concertos, chamber music, and an 0pera. In this workshop we will discuss and listen to some of these other works by Beethoven via audio and video presentations. Journey along with us as we discuss how this piano virtuoso evolved into a revered composer, how his life and music were influenced by historical events and how he persevered through the onset of deafness, physical maladies, and family and relation ship issues to ultimately become one of the giants of Western Music! New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

This repeat course explores songs from the Christian tradition called “gospel.” Designed from the Protestant perspective, the course examines old hymns and gospel songs including “white” gospel and music from the African-American tradition. Some attention is paid to hymn writers and composers, and to the milieu in which they thrived, but exposure to the music itself comprises much of each session. Recordings are played, videos are shown, songs are sung, and the piano is utilized. Discussion is encouraged and students may request the presentation of songs they would like to share with the class. The final class will feature a singer and a party. Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

SUGGESTED BOOK: The Sound of Light, Don Cusic, ISBN 9780800736385.

In this course we will discuss the importance of composer George Frideric Handel and his work for the royal court in London in the 1700s. The class includes a video documentary on Handel’s famous Water Music, which will provide insights into the town of London, the river Thames as well as what a major event was the first performance of the Water Music ON the river. The video includes an historically accurate performance of the work. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Why do we enjoy music? It moves us physically and emotionally; it satisfies both body and mind. Join us as we explore connections between music and math, answering questions such as: Why do musical instruments sound different from each other? What are the varieties of rhythm and musical forms? Why is some music dissonant but other music pleasing? How does harmony work? Why is tuning a piano so challenging? What connections did philosophers make between music and the cosmos? Our emphasis will be on understanding music rather than learning mathematics. We will enjoy listening to musical examples. No prior knowledge of math or music required. New in-person course. Format includes lecture and discussion.

From its emergence amid rapid cultural change in the early 20th century, country music has resonated with people who feel left behind by a shifting world. A key genre of American roots music, it captures hardships of modern life while intentionally evoking emotional response. Whether facing troubled relationships, unemployment, homelessness, loneliness, or spiritual bereft, there is a country song for you. This course traces the history of country and American roots music through the stories and artistic developments of influential performers. Each session highlights key figures including the Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton.

This course continues our journey into how music becomes the emotional engine of film. This is not film school—it is a celebration for film lovers who want to experience how music shapes story, character, and unforgettable moments. We will explore how instrumental scores and songs with lyrics work together to drive narrative, define identity, and capture cultural shifts. We will focus on films where songs take center stage, from iconic franchise themes to pop- and rock-driven storytelling. Spanning genres and eras, we will see how composers, songwriters, and performers expanded the language of film music.

Since the 1890s, when Americans were beginning to develop their own traditions in classical music, composers have recognized the dilemma of creating the American sound. We will explore how classical musicians, and Broadway and Hollywood composers, most of them Jewish, followed parallel paths in creating sounds that reflect these lands and its people. Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Steel, Florence Price, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein and others will be the protagonists of this lecture.

We will explore the important role of music in championing workers’ rights, supporting unions, and fighting workplace injustices. This workshop will include watching archival footage of songs sung at labor protests, reviewing song lyrics, reading short pieces — and singing! New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion, film, and hands-on learning.