Music   

Did you grow up playing and/or singing folk songs? Think of what Baez, Dylan and Guthrie sang, plus much older folk songs that your parents knew and maybe some international ones. This course will feature lecture, discussion, lots of videos, and some singing. No text is required, just interest in learning. Books may be suggested and there will be handouts. Piano and accordion will
be used.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

It’s what we loved to do, right? Sing along to the radio, the record player and later, the new invention that gave us “Bandstand.” Some of the most singable, nostalgic tunes have been thoughtfully culled for this course. We won’t talk titles here, but we will name-drop artists such as Garland, Holly, Reeves, Armstrong, Diamond, Buffett, and Charles. Students will be emailed the words to the upcoming songs prior to each class. At each meeting, we will learn a little about the music and the artist before we enjoy the music. (Because Zoom is incompatible with sing-alongs, students will be muted only during the video during which time they may simply listen or sing as loudly as they wish!) New remote course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this course, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European megaproductions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world's leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more. 

Protest songs inspire and energize us. We’ll listen to songs from Joe Hill to Joan Baez, from Woody Guthrie to, yes, Dolly Parton. We’ll become better acquainted with these singer-songwriters and the conflicts of their (and our) times. We’ll focus in the second class on more recent protest songs. Tell me your favorite and I’ll be sure to include it!

New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion and film.