Music   

Taught by Harvard University Professor Richard Thomas, Bob Dylan 101 puts the artist in context of not just popular culture of the last half-century, but the tradition of classical poets like Virgil and Homer. The lecture follows Mr. Dylan’s career chronologically, listening to selections from his albums, while also sharing excerpts from his memoir, “Chronicles.” Thomas offers an eloquent argument for Dylan’s modern relevance, while interpreting and decoding Dylan’s lyrics for readers. Sharing his original and compelling work on Dylan over decades, Richard wrote a book entitled, Why Bob Dylan Matters. His scholarship will illuminate Dylan’s work for the Dylan neophyte and the seasoned fanatic alike. You’ll never think about Bob Dylan in the same way again. No discounts or waivers.

Experience the enjoyment of expressing yourself through music by discovering your singing voice. Each singer will explore the range, agility, and timbre of his or her voice, and work on solo and group singing. We will develop proper tone production, breathing, and posture. Students and the instructor will choose the vocal repertoire so that all aspects of vocal technique and musical interpretation can be applied to specific songs. Our emphasis will range from traditional Jazz standards to more contemporary shows or pop tunes.

Have you always wanted to play the violin, or have you played in the past and want to pick it up again? From the fiddlers of the Hardanger plateau in Norway to the Highlands of Scotland and Cape Breton Island, from the stage of Carnegie Hall to the quaint fiddlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Carolinas, the violin has succeeded in suiting every style and fulfilling every need. We will explore the balance needed for proper tone production, along with how to read notes, comfortably hold the bow, and play in small ensembles. Violin players of all levels welcome. Please bring a violin and a shoulder rest. An appropriate textbook to be determined after the first class will be required for approximately $15-18. drum, a large pot, or another object to play. Rentals are available and deliverable. Please call 781-316-8068 for rental details. Please note: class does not meet the week of April 15th due to April Vacation.

For centuries the drum has provided people with a powerful basic tool to express themselves, to communicate, and to form community. Focusing on tone production, simple to complex rhythmic interaction, and the subtleties of drumming, you will play rhythms of West Africa, Cuba, and Brazil on different drums including conga, djembe, and ashiko. Each week a new rhythm, technique, and time pattern will be presented. After several weeks you will have acquired enough knowledge to begin to improvise and be comfortable in any drumming situation. No prior musical training is necessary. Please bring a conga, djembe, or ashiko hand drum. A limited number of drums may be available to rent from the instructor.