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Kristin Wendland
How well do you think you know tango? This two-week mini-course is designed for music lovers, musicians, and dancers who are interested in learning more about the Argentine Tango. It will explore the many dimensions of the Argentine Tango music, including its origins, popularization during the Golden Age, dissemination abroad, evolution into an artistic music-dance form, and adoption by Argentine and international art-music composers to date. The goal is to provide learners with an authentic and holistic tango experience by intersecting scholarly studies of the history, theory, and culture of tango with knowledge of instrumental performance practices. Learners can also learn more about basic tango gestures and steps that embody the music, as well as the poetry of tango.
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Syllabus
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Develops a foundational understanding of Tango, including its history, theory, and culture
Learners can study and practice basic Tango gestures, steps, and poetry
Taught by Kristin Wendland, who has expertise in music and dance
Examines Tango from multiple perspectives, including music, history, and dance
Provides an in-depth look at the popularization of Tango during the "Golden Age."
This course is specifically designed for music lovers, musicians, and dancers
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Reviews summary
Rich history and music of tango
According to learners, this course offers a deep dive into the history and musical evolution of Argentine Tango, making it a valuable experience particularly for those interested in the cultural and historical context rather than practical dance instruction. Students found the content to be well-structured and presented by a knowledgeable instructor. While the course description mentions basic gestures and steps, many felt the focus was predominantly on the musical and historical aspects, which was a positive for music enthusiasts but potentially a warning for those primarily seeking dance guidance. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the rich background of this art form.
Course material is organized logically and clearly.
"The two modules flowed nicely and the information was presented in a clear, logical manner."
"Content was well-organized and easy to follow, even with the depth of historical information."
"The course structure makes it easy to digest the material on history, music, and culture."
Instructor's expertise shines through the material.
"The instructor's passion and knowledge were evident throughout the lectures. Very engaging."
"The professor is an expert in the field and made the complex history accessible and interesting."
"Excellent lecturer! Clearly knows tango history and music inside and out."
Course excels in covering tango's history & music.
"I truly enjoyed the comprehensive history and musicology covered in this course. It went far beyond just dance steps."
"The focus on the musical aspects and historical periods of tango was fantastic. Learned so much about the background."
"This course provided an incredibly rich historical context, which I found fascinating and essential for appreciating tango."
"Excelente curso, especialmente para entender la evolucion musical y cultural del tango. Muy recomendado."
Emphasis is cultural, not on physical dance steps.
"While the course description mentioned basic steps, the actual dance instruction was minimal. It's more academic than practical."
"If you're looking to learn how to dance tango, this is not the course for you. It's great for history/music, though."
"I was hoping for a bit more on the actual movement and connection aspects, but it was very light on that."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in So You Think You Know Tango? with these
activities:
Explore online resources on tango music theory
Show steps
Supplement your knowledge of tango music by engaging with online educational materials.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable websites or platforms specializing in tango music theory
-
Watch video tutorials or read articles that delve into the intricacies of tango rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation
-
Take online exercises or assessments to test your understanding
Practice your Tango listening skills
Show steps
Engage in repetitive listening exercises to enhance your ability to understand and appreciate tango music.
Browse courses on
Active Listening
Show steps
-
Listen attentively to various Tango pieces
-
Identify different instruments and their roles
-
Analyze the rhythmic patterns and melodies
Participate in a tango discussion forum
Show steps
Engage in discussions with fellow learners and experts to deepen your insights and perspectives on tango.
Show steps
-
Join an online or local tango discussion forum
-
Actively participate by asking thoughtful questions, sharing your own insights, and engaging with others
-
Attend online or in-person meetups organized by the discussion forum
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice basic tango steps
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of tango's physical and expressive elements.
Show steps
-
Follow a guided tutorial on basic tango steps, such as the ocho cortado and the side step
-
Practice the steps in front of a mirror to gain confidence and precision
-
Find a dance partner and practice executing the steps together
Attend a tango workshop or masterclass
Show steps
Enhance your tango knowledge and skills through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
Show steps
-
Research and identify reputable tango workshops or masterclasses in your area
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level
-
Actively participate and engage with the instructor and fellow participants
Write a poem or song inspired by Tango
Show steps
Harness the inspiration from tango to compose a piece of writing or music that reflects your understanding and appreciation.
Browse courses on
Creative Expression
Show steps
-
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Tango
-
Identify themes and emotions evoked by Tango
-
Craft a piece that captures the essence of Tango
Compose a tango poem
Show steps
Embrace the lyrical and emotional heart of tango through creative expression.
Show steps
-
Familiarize yourself with the conventions and themes of tango poetry
-
Brainstorm ideas and choose a topic that resonates with you
-
Craft a poem that captures the essence of tango, using vivid imagery and emotive language
Plan a tango-themed event
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of tango to a practical project, fostering appreciation for its cultural impact.
Show steps
-
Define the purpose and target audience for your event
-
Research and select a suitable venue
-
Organize live tango performances, workshops, or exhibitions
Explore online resources on tango music theory
Show steps
Supplement your knowledge of tango music by engaging with online educational materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable websites or platforms specializing in tango music theory
- Watch video tutorials or read articles that delve into the intricacies of tango rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation
- Take online exercises or assessments to test your understanding
Practice your Tango listening skills
Show steps
Engage in repetitive listening exercises to enhance your ability to understand and appreciate tango music.
Browse courses on
Active Listening
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Listen attentively to various Tango pieces
- Identify different instruments and their roles
- Analyze the rhythmic patterns and melodies
Participate in a tango discussion forum
Show steps
Engage in discussions with fellow learners and experts to deepen your insights and perspectives on tango.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join an online or local tango discussion forum
- Actively participate by asking thoughtful questions, sharing your own insights, and engaging with others
- Attend online or in-person meetups organized by the discussion forum
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice basic tango steps
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of tango's physical and expressive elements.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow a guided tutorial on basic tango steps, such as the ocho cortado and the side step
- Practice the steps in front of a mirror to gain confidence and precision
- Find a dance partner and practice executing the steps together
Attend a tango workshop or masterclass
Show steps
Enhance your tango knowledge and skills through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify reputable tango workshops or masterclasses in your area
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level
- Actively participate and engage with the instructor and fellow participants
Write a poem or song inspired by Tango
Show steps
Harness the inspiration from tango to compose a piece of writing or music that reflects your understanding and appreciation.
Browse courses on
Creative Expression
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Tango
- Identify themes and emotions evoked by Tango
- Craft a piece that captures the essence of Tango
Compose a tango poem
Show steps
Embrace the lyrical and emotional heart of tango through creative expression.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Familiarize yourself with the conventions and themes of tango poetry
- Brainstorm ideas and choose a topic that resonates with you
- Craft a poem that captures the essence of tango, using vivid imagery and emotive language
Plan a tango-themed event
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of tango to a practical project, fostering appreciation for its cultural impact.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the purpose and target audience for your event
- Research and select a suitable venue
- Organize live tango performances, workshops, or exhibitions
Career center
Learners who complete So You Think You Know Tango? will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Musician
Musician
Musicians perform music on a variety of instruments. They may play in orchestras, bands, or as soloists. This course can be very useful for Musicians who are interested in playing tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Musicians who need to understand the context and background of the music they play.
Music Historian
Music Historian
Music Historians study the history of music. They may work in academia, museums, libraries, or other institutions. This course can be very useful for Music Historians who are interested in studying tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Music Historians who need to understand the context and background of the music they study.
Musicologist
Musicologist
Musicologists study the history, theory, and culture of music. They may work in academia, museums, libraries, or other institutions. This course can be very useful for Musicologists who are interested in studying tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Musicologists who need to understand the context and background of the music they study.
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures. They may work in academia, museums, or other institutions. This course may be useful for Ethnomusicologists who are interested in studying tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Ethnomusicologists who need to understand the context and background of the music they study.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics analyze and review music performances and recordings for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They provide insights into the music and share their opinions with readers. This course can be useful for Music Critics as it provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for critics who need to understand the context and background of the music they review.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also work as critics or reviewers. This course can be useful for Music Journalists who are interested in writing about tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. This knowledge can help Music Journalists understand the unique characteristics of tango music and write informed and engaging articles about it.
Composer
Composer
Composers create and write music. They may work in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music. This course may be useful for Composers who are interested in composing tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Composers who need to understand the context and background of the music they compose.
Choreographer
Choreographer
Choreographers create and develop dance routines for performers. They work in a variety of settings, including dance companies, theaters, and schools. This course may be useful for Choreographers who are interested in creating tango dances. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Choreographers who need to understand the context and background of the music they choreograph to.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music Librarians manage and organize music collections in libraries and archives. This course may be useful for Music Librarians who are interested in working with tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. This knowledge can help Music Librarians understand the unique characteristics of tango music and make informed decisions about how to catalog and preserve it.
Dancer
Dancer
Dancers perform choreographed movements to music. They may work in dance companies, theaters, or as independent artists. This course may be useful for Dancers who are interested in performing tango. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Dancers who need to understand the context and background of the music they dance to.
Music Educator
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. This course can be useful for Music Educators who are interested in teaching tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Music Educators who need to understand the context and background of the music they teach.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music Teachers instruct students in the fundamentals of music, including music theory, performance, and composition. They may teach private lessons or work in schools or music studios. This course can be useful for Music Teachers who are interested in teaching tango music. The course provides a deep understanding of tango's history, theory, and culture, as well as practical knowledge of instrumental performance practices. This knowledge can help Music Teachers create engaging and informative lessons for their students.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and clinics. This course may be useful for Music Therapists who are interested in using tango music in their work. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. The course also explores the evolution of tango into an artistic music-dance form, providing valuable insights for Music Therapists who need to understand the context and background of the music they use.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create the final product. This course may be useful for Music Producers who are interested in working with tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, its history, theory, and culture. This knowledge can help Music Producers understand the unique characteristics of tango music and make informed decisions about how to produce it.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage the business and operations of arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and music venues. This course may be useful for Arts Administrators who are interested in working with tango music. The course provides a comprehensive overview of tango music, including its history, theory, and culture. This knowledge can help Arts Administrators understand the unique characteristics of tango music and make informed decisions about how to manage and promote it.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0p31mj/so
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
So You Think You Know Tango?.
Save
Provides an in-depth exploration of tango's history and shares how the music, lyrics, and dance developed over time.
Explores the history, music, and dance of tango. It well-written and engaging read that provides a wealth of information on the subject.
Save
This groundbreaking work challenges traditional narratives of tango's history, offering a fresh and provocative perspective on the genre's origins and evolution. It provides a valuable resource for learners interested in the latest scholarly research on tango.
Save
Explores the global impact and influence of tango, examining its spread to different regions and cultures. It provides a valuable perspective on the ways in which tango has been adapted, transformed, and reinterpreted in various contexts, complementing the course's focus on the Argentine origins and development of the genre.
Tango: A Sociological Analysis examines the social and cultural context of tango dance and music.
Save
Comprehensive illustrated history of tango from its origins to modern interpretations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0p31mj/so
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Emory University
Instructor
Kristin Wendland
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