Music   

Using a BBC biography and Robert Greenberg's lectures as core materials, we will explore the life and the music of this revolutionary composer who changed forever how music is written and performed. Despite deafness becoming almost total, Beethoven wrote music which was groundbreaking, amazingly profound, and supremely beautiful. A live performance of a chamber work by University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music students will be part of the class.

This class is for people who know how to play the basic A to G chords on guitar, although class members may bring other stringed instruments to play, e.g. mandolin, bass, ukulele, banjo, harmonica, or squeeze box. Or sing along without an instrument! Songs and lyrics will be emailed each week, featuring artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, The Drifters, and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.

American folk music experienced a commercial revival from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Its roots in support of the labor movement, and later embrace of anti-war protest songs, earned many performers the label of "communist pinkos." Other performers, however, cultivated a clean-cut, down-home, all-American image. We will explore the history of this dichotomy, then play and sing the songs known collectively as "folk music." Bring your instruments, your voice, and your curiosity. Leave your inhibitions at home and be prepared to have a good time!

This class delves into Motown's golden era from the 1960s to the 1970s, highlighting its breakthrough songwriting, iconic artists, and profound social influence. Learn about Motown's innovative processes that crafted timeless sounds and how it navigated racial barriers, adapting to cultural shifts to achieve global acclaim. Over eight weeks, we'll spotlight over two dozen artists and groups, featuring more than ninety seminal tracks and videos spanning from 1957 to 1983. Discover the stories behind legendary songwriters and the development of unique talents that defined Motown's new sound. We'll examine how Motown's strategies in artist development and music production helped it transcend its era and leave a lasting legacy. The series concludes by reflecting on the end of Motown's golden era and celebrating its first twenty-five transformative years. Join us to appreciate the magic of Motown and its enduring impact on music and culture worldwide.

Each week we'll view a feature-length documentary or two shorter films. The films will generally feature a performer or composer, the impact of their environment on their music, and the impact of their music on other musicians and on society. Or the focus might be on a style of music from swing to country, jazz to rock. This is a class for the open-minded and intellectually curious because, paraphrasing Mick Jagger, you might not always hear what you like, but sometimes you just might like what you hear.

Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.

Learn to sing or play songs used in world dances. These dances are mostly international folk dance melodies used at local dance club parties. The songs may have rhythms common or uncommon to western music, such as 2/4, 3/4, 7/8, and 9/8 time signatures. Lyrics and music will be provided.