I have been completely inspired this year by a series of music history lectures put out by The Teaching Company. Dr. Robert Greenberg, chair of the department of music history and literature at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as well as composer, music consultant for National Public Radio, and more, presents music history in the most accessible, enjoyable, relevant manner I’ve ever encountered.
The first series, “How to Listen to and Understand Great Music” covers western music history from ancient times to the twentieth century, in six volumes of eight lectures each. He grabs the attention right off with humor, fascinating bits of information, and brings the reality of the lives of the great composers and the amazing music they’ve created, into a context that makes their music and their existence palpable.
I very, very strongly recommend this series (and as many of the ones that follow as you’re inspired to devour) to all adult music students, and perhaps serious high school musicians as well. Parents of young music students may greatly enjoy the series, and your children are likely to benefit from your increased awareness and understanding of great music. It, and many more specialized series of lectures, are available through The Teaching Company as well as at your local library – click here to check on availability at Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier.
