Music   

Explore how voices in harmony helped shape music, culture, and community across nearly a thousand years of history. This class traces the emotional power of blended voices, from sacred chant and barbershop harmony to big band vocal groups, gospel, soul, country, doo-wop, rock harmonies, the folk music revival, the birth of the sonic layer, the British Harmony Invasion, and beyond. Through guided listening, storytelling, rare footage, and unforgettable performances, we'll celebrate the timeless magic of voices blending together to move, inspire, and unite us.

Igor Stravinsky was one of the 20th century's most astonishing musical innovators. During a career spanning more than 60 years, he repeatedly surprised audiences by reinventing his musical style, from Russian fairy tales and lush ballets to elegant neoclassical works and powerful sacred music. At the core of his achievement stands The Rite of Spring whose Paris premiere provoked one of the most famous incidents in music history. Each class will combine Robert Greenberg's engaging (and humorous) lectures with performances and video excerpts from some of the world's finest musicians and dance companies. We will also hear insights from conductors and teachers who will help us listen.

"Jug Band: a band that uses primitive or improvised instruments (such as jugs, washboards and kazoos) to play blues, jazz, and folk music" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). We'll gather once a week to explore the history of jug bands, and to sing and play jug band songs. This class is less about musicianship, and more about exploring the roots of this great American art form. We'll listen to 1920s and 1930s recordings, and trace jug band influences on modern day music. Then we'll recreate some old-time music!

This class is for people who already know how to play the A-G chords. We play and sing 3-, 4-, and 5-chord songs by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers, and other musicians from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The class is mostly to practice feeling comfortable with playing guitar while singing. There is some instruction on more advanced guitar playing. Bring a guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instrument, or you're welcome to come just to sing along with the class.

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!

Experience the joy of singing four-part harmony, barbershop style! In this class we will choose your singing range (bass, baritone, lead, or tenor). Splitting the class into four groups by range, you will learn your part with your group. Next, we'll bring the groups together and sing the songs, hearing the harmonic blend of chords. No experience in four-part harmony is required, just the ability to sing a simple song (such as "Happy Birthday") in tune.

Join us to learn to sing songs in Spanish. Lyrics and audio files will be provided to help you learn.

We'll do a deep dive into the Beatles, their history, and the stories behind their songs. We will do a sing-along each week, starting with "Please Please Me" and working our way to "Let It Be." Bring instruments if you want to play along – lyrics and chords will be provided – or just bring yourself if you want to sing along to these amazing oldies. You don't have to be a great singer, just someone who likes to sing.

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!