Comenius Music Academy | Moravian Music Foundation (original) (raw)

Current Class Offerings

Music History, ONLINE

To reach those who can’t come to the AKD Center in Winston-Salem, we are excited to offer virtual versions of our classes. These courses will be offered live on Zoom and will cover a range of topics. ONLINE classes are LIVE but do NOT have an in-person option.

ONLINE Class

The Renaissance Period

Mondays at noon (EST).
Come spend your lunchtime learning about music!

ZOOM Class Details

History of Western Music; Renaissance

Continuing with our series exploring the history of Western music, we will be turning towards music during the Renaissance. Consciously looking back to the Classical world, while simultaneously rejecting art of the medieval period, the Renaissance opened new pathways for music. Over the 4-week class, we will be examining the impact of the printing press, the birth of the Protestant Reformation, and the role of Humanism in shaping how we still think about music today.

Please note that attending the medieval course is NOT a requirement. All are welcome to come and join us whenever they can!

This course is the second part of a series exploring the history of Western music. Upcoming courses will focus on the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.

November 4 – 25, 2024

ONLINE Class

The Medieval Period

Mondays at noon (EST).
Come spend your lunchtime learning about music!

ZOOM Class Details

History of Western Music; Medieval

Beginning on September 16, we will kick off our virtual academy with a 4-part course on music in the medieval period! Although frequently maligned and often misunderstood, the medieval period laid the foundation upon which all subsequent music stands. As we delve into this period, we will discuss the invention of music notation, Notre Dame polyphony, and the place of music within its social, political, and cultural contexts. Please join us as we uncover the origins of the music we know and love today.

This course is the first part of a series exploring the history of Western music. Upcoming courses will focus on the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.

Sept 16 – Oct 14, 2024
Completed for 2024

History of Western Music

Classes for all ages by Christopher Ogburn, PhD, the Director of Programming and Resident Musicologist of the Moravian Music Foundation

Everyone is welcome! As always, Comenius Music classes are free; donations accepted.
In-Person classes do NOT have a remote option.

Modern

November 7 – Dec 12, 2024

A History of Western Music; The Modern Period
Approx. 1890 to 1975
but also encompasses what we often group as 20th century music. This may include subcategories:
Impressionism Expressionism Modernism Post-Modernism Contemporary

When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
5 weeks; 5 classes
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

Please Sign Up below

In-Person Class

Romantic

Completed for 2024

A History of Western Music; The Romantic Period
Approx. yrs 1820 to 1910

When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
5 weeks; 5 classes
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

Please Sign Up below

In-Person Class

Classical

Completed for 2024

A History of Western Music; The Classical Period
Approx. yrs 1750 to 1820

When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
5 weeks; 5 classes
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

Please Sign Up below

In-Person Class

Classes in Bethlehem and Online

Classes for all ages by Kyle Johnston, Associate Director, Bethlehem Office

Free; Everyone is welcome!

Hymnology 101

Same as Nov 9

Friday, November 8, Noon – 1:30 (ZOOM, ONLINE)

The early Moravians played an important role in the development of American hymnody. In this introductory course, we will cover the basics of early American hymnody (and a little European hymnody); discuss the three major parts of a hymn, how hymns are structured, and how a hymnal can be an invaluable resource for any music program.

Please Sign Up below

Free, registration required.

Introduction to Music Publishing Software

Friday, Oct 11, 2024
12:00 – 1:30pm

In this workshop we will be taking a look at current music publishing software, how they work, and what types of projects can be done with them. We will also practice using publishing software to transcribe a piece of music. Laptops are encouraged, as well as a version of one of the following software: Finale, Sibelius, and Dorico each have free versions. MuseScore is completely open-source and free. Lilypond is also free, but is a coded software, not visual, and is not recommended for people just starting in music publishing. Registration is required.

Please Sign Up below

Online Class

Hymnology 101

Same as Nov 8

Saturday, November 9, 10 – 11:30a (IN-PERSON)

Bethlehem Public Library, Main Branch – Faros Room, 11 West Church St

The early Moravians played an important role in the development of American hymnody. In this introductory course, we will cover the basics of early American hymnody (and a little European hymnody); discuss the three major parts of a hymn, how hymns are structured, and how a hymnal can be an invaluable resource for any music program.

Please Sign Up below

Free, registration required.

Music Theory & Composition

Music Theory 101: An Introduction

8 Classes
Every other Tuesday at 1:00 pm at the AKD Center (Winston-Salem, NC)
IN-PERSON

Class Details

In this course, we will be learning the basics of music theory. No prior experience required! Some of the topics that we will cover include how to read different clefs, rhythm, key signatures, intervals, major and minor scales, and simple/compound time signatures. Classes:

As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.

Sept 3 – Dec 10, 2024

Introduction to Part Writing: Finding our Compositional Voice

8 Classes
Every other Tuesday at 1:00 pm at the AKD Center (Winston-Salem, NC)
IN-PERSON

Class Details

This course will serve as an introduction to learning how to compose. We will cover the rules of part writing and begin the process of writing our own music. Along the way we will explore the following topics: harmonic progressions, inversions, and cadences. Classes:

The course is open to all, although you should be able to read music prior to enrolling. As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.

Sept 10 – Dec 17, 2024

Who: The courses will be taught by Christopher Ogburn, PhD, the Director of Programming and Resident Musicologist of the Moravian Music Foundation (MMF). Prior to coming to the MMF, Ogburn taught and lectured at Manhattan College and LaGuardia Community College, before joining the faculty of Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC as Instructor of Music. He has over a decade of experience teaching courses in both music history and theory.

Classes at the Archie K Davis Center

Generous Support for MMF Education
is provided by

Mark & Heather Johnson

Jan Amos Comenius

John Amos Comenius (1592–1670) was a Czech educational reformer and religious leader connected to the Unitas Fratrum (considered the spiritual ancestors of the Moravian Church). Known as the father of modern education, he is remembered today for his innovative teaching methods as well as his passionate advocacy for universal education. The Comenius Music Academy pays homage to the legacy of learning in the Moravian Church and the championing of education for all.

PAST CLASSES:

History of Western Music; The Medieval Period
February 1 – 22, 2024; Thursdays (12:00pm)
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

History of Western Music; The Renaissance Period
March 14 – April 11 (no class March 28), 2024; Thursdays (1:00pm)
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

History of Western Music; The Baroque Period
May 2 – 30, 2024; Thursdays (1:00pm)
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

Music Theory 1 (intermediate)
Jan. 23 – June, 2024; Tuesdays (1:00pm).
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

History of Western Music; The Classical Period
Aug 1 – Sept 5, 2024; Thursdays (1:00pm)
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

History of Western Music; The Medieval Period ONLINE
Sept 16 – Oct 14, 2024; Mondays (12:00pm)
Where: Zoom

History of Western Music; The Romantic Period
Sept 19 – Oct 17, 2024; Thursdays (1:00pm)
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC

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