Classical music today

About this course

The course examines how classical music is being composed, performed and experienced today. Topics include 21st-century composers, minimalist and process-based styles, new harmonic and timbral approaches, electronic and electroacoustic composition, cross-genre work, contemporary opera, sound installations and global perspectives. Teaching combines lectures, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video material and score study. Sessions also consider digital tools such as sampling, looping and processing, alongside changing relationships between composers, performers, audiences and technology.

What you'll learn

• Identify significant trends, styles and figures in contemporary classical music.
• Explain cultural and technological influences on current composition and performance.
• Distinguish between diverse approaches to 21st-century music-making.
• Discuss the place of classical music within contemporary artistic and social contexts.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for beginners and does not require particular skills. It suits learners interested in thinking critically about a broad range of music, with participation involving listening, discussion, quizzes and study of videos and scores.

• No particular musical skills are required.
• The course involves critical discussion as well as listening and contextual study.
• Some additional reading may be undertaken outside class.

Before you go

• Handouts, scores and links to online videos will be shared through Google Classroom.
• Participants may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed; links will be provided online after each session.