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John Covach
The Music of the Beatles will track the musical development of the band, starting from the earliest days in Liverpool and Hamburg, moving through the excitement of Beatlemania, the rush of psychedelia, and the maturity of Abbey Road. While the focus will be on the music, we will also consider how recording techniques, the music business, the music of other artists, and the culture of the 1960s affected John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they created the Beatles repertory.
Read more
The Music of the Beatles will track the musical development of the band, starting from the earliest days in Liverpool and Hamburg, moving through the excitement of Beatlemania, the rush of psychedelia, and the maturity of Abbey Road. While the focus will be on the music, we will also consider how recording techniques, the music business, the music of other artists, and the culture of the 1960s affected John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they created the Beatles repertory.
Read more
The Music of the Beatles will track the musical development of the band, starting from the earliest days in Liverpool and Hamburg, moving through the excitement of Beatlemania, the rush of psychedelia, and the maturity of Abbey Road. While the focus will be on the music, we will also consider how recording techniques, the music business, the music of other artists, and the culture of the 1960s affected John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they created the Beatles repertory.
There is probably no band or artist that has had more written about their music than the Beatles. There are many good books on the band's biography, several insider accounts offering glimpses behind the scenes, books that interpret the meaning of the songs, and even books that catalog dates and people regarding the band. This course will try to synthesize much of that information into an account of the Beatles' development as musicians and songwriters.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction and Special Features
Early Day and Success in the UK
The Beatles as pop craftsmen. Study of cover versions at Cavern and Hamburg shows, Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and the singles from this period.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and Special Features
Early Day and Success in the UK
The Beatles as pop craftsmen. Study of cover versions at Cavern and Hamburg shows, Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and the singles from this period.
Read more
Success in America and the World
The Beatles begin to move toward the artist model. Music from A Hard Day's Night, Beatles For Sale, and singles from this period. From this point on we will closely follow particular authorship of songs, keeping track of John, Paul, and George as individual songwriters.
Pop Maturity
Increased experimentation, still mostly within the context of the pop single. The increasingly important role of the recording studio and recording techniques and innovations. Help!, Rubber Soul, and singles from this period.
Psychedelia
The artist model comes into full bloom. The rise of importance of the album and idea-driven projects. Revolver, "Penny Lane," "Strawberry Fields," Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour, and other singles from this period, including the tracks that would end up on Yellow Submarine.
A Co-Op of Singer-Songwriters
The White Album both begins a return to roots while also continuing the musical experimentation of the earlier music, but now each song is less of a group effort. Creative differences arise. The White Album and singles from this period.
Get Back
Once there was a way to get back home. The Get Back sessions embrace a return-to-simplicity approach but are aborted. Abbey Road attempts to get back to the band's previous manner of working. Let It Be combines material from Get Back with newly recorded tracks. Abbey Road, Let It Be, and singles from this period.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Studies the musical growth of the Beatles, tracing their musical development from their humble beginnings to their rise to global stardom
Led by John Covach, an experienced music professor and author
Provides an in-depth exploration of the Beatles' music, encompassing their pop hits, psychedelic experimentation, and artistic maturity
Suitable for music enthusiasts, Beatles fans, and those interested in the history of popular music
Emphasizes the influence of recording techniques, the music industry, and the cultural landscape on the Beatles' artistry
Assumes a basic understanding of music theory and music history
Save this course
Save The Music of the Beatles to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Literary analysis: the music of the beatles
Students say this course is engaging and well-paced with expert lectures and thorough content. They highlight that the course provides detailed analysis of the Beatles' music and their musical development, with a focus on the creative contributions of each member of the band. The lack of music clips due to copyright issues is mentioned as a minor drawback.
Explores the unique contributions of each member to the Beatles' sound and success.
"Allowed me to know more about their musical style and the specific creativity and talents of each member."
"Nice coverage of the Beatles history, fame as well as artistic work."
"I am a big Beatles fan. This course was extremely interesting."
"Mr. Covach is a very knowledgeable, humble and genuine instructor."
Provides in-depth analysis of the Beatles' songs, albums, and musical style.
"Excellent course, entertaining and informative, it is my favorite band, now i have more knowledge of the musical history of The beatles."
"Excellent approach, lots of history, theory about the music and art, lots of information, I am very happy I have taken this course, I have learned a lot."
"I really enjoy the course and gave me a profound understanding of the evolution of the music of the Beatles."
"Content was excellent and thorough. Professor was engaging, knowledgeable, and presented info in an easy to follow way."
An outstanding lecturer with incredible knowledge and passion for the Beatles' music.
"Excellent teacher, who seems to adore his subject matter."
"John Covach, the teacher, is amazing, very charismatic and surely knows a lot about the band."
"I've taken all of this class, and my husband, a guitarist, watched every lecture with me. We both loved the class - Dr. Covach is an excellent, humorous and very interesting guide to the Beatles and their development as musicians and song writers over time,"
"Thanks to Prof. Covach for your actions towards spreading knowledge about The Beatles and his contribution to human culure."
Copyright issues prevent the inclusion of music clips in the course.
"The course is definitely impacted negatively by the complete absence of Beatles music and by the inability of the instructor to state any of the lyrics."
"I really enjoyed the course, including the side stories. I only wish that there was no problem with copyright infringement and all so one can listen to the songs as they are being discussed."
"I wish there had even been more of that."
"I would have loved to be able to listen to the specific part of tune he is mentioning rather than having to listen to the tune after the lecture."
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 The Music of the Beatles with these
activities:
Follow a Course on Beatles History
Show steps
Following a course on Beatles history will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the band's career and legacy.
Browse courses on
Music History
Show steps
-
Find an online course or documentary series on Beatles history.
-
Watch the videos and complete the assignments.
-
Take notes on key events and figures.
-
Discuss the course material with other students or music enthusiasts.
Read Ian MacDonald's 'Revolution in the Head'
Show steps
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Beatles' music and lyrics, offering insights into their creative process and development.
View
Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to MacDonald's analysis of the Beatles' music and lyrics.
-
Take notes on key concepts and ideas.
-
Discuss the book with other students or music enthusiasts.
Host a Beatles Listening Party
Show steps
Hosting a Beatles listening party will provide students with an opportunity to share their love of the band's music and engage with other fans.
Show steps
-
Choose a Beatles album or playlist to listen to.
-
Invite friends, classmates, or other music enthusiasts to attend.
-
Set up a listening space with comfortable seating and good acoustics.
-
Play the Beatles album or playlist and encourage participants to share their thoughts and feelings about the music.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Playlist of Beatles Influences
Show steps
Creating a playlist of Beatles influences will help students explore the musical roots of the band and understand their inspirations.
Browse courses on
Music History
Show steps
-
Research the Beatles' influences, including artists, genres, and musical styles.
-
Create a playlist on a streaming service or music player.
-
Write a brief description for each song, explaining why it influenced the Beatles.
-
Share the playlist with other students or music enthusiasts.
Analyze a Beatles Song
Show steps
Analyzing a Beatles song will help students understand the band's songwriting techniques, lyrical themes, and musical arrangements.
Browse courses on
Songwriting
Show steps
-
Choose a Beatles song for analysis.
-
Listen to the song multiple times, paying attention to its structure, melody, harmony, and lyrics.
-
Research the song's history, including its recording process and inspirations.
-
Write an analytical essay discussing the song's musical and lyrical elements.
-
Present your analysis to the class or a small group.
Transcribe a Beatles Song
Show steps
Transcribing a Beatles song will help students develop their musical skills and deepen their understanding of the band's music.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Choose a Beatles song to transcribe.
-
Listen to the song carefully and identify its notes, chords, and rhythms.
-
Write down the transcription using musical notation.
-
Check your transcription against the original recording.
-
Practice playing the transcription on your instrument.
Create a Podcast Episode on a Beatles Album
Show steps
Creating a podcast episode on a Beatles album will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the band's music and engage with a wider audience.
Browse courses on
Content Creation
Show steps
-
Choose a Beatles album to focus on.
-
Research the album's history, recording process, and critical reception.
-
Write a script for the podcast episode.
-
Record the podcast episode using audio recording software.
-
Edit the podcast episode and add any necessary sound effects or music.
-
Publish the podcast episode on a hosting platform.
Contribute to a Beatles Tribute Album
Show steps
Contributing to a Beatles tribute album will allow students to showcase their musical talents and collaborate with other musicians.
Browse courses on
Music Production
Show steps
-
Find a Beatles tribute album project to join.
-
Choose a Beatles song to cover.
-
Record your cover of the song.
-
Submit your recording to the tribute album project organizers.
-
Attend the album's release party or promote it on social media.
Follow a Course on Beatles History
Show steps
Following a course on Beatles history will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the band's career and legacy.
Browse courses on
Music History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an online course or documentary series on Beatles history.
- Watch the videos and complete the assignments.
- Take notes on key events and figures.
- Discuss the course material with other students or music enthusiasts.
Read Ian MacDonald's 'Revolution in the Head'
Show steps
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Beatles' music and lyrics, offering insights into their creative process and development.
View
Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to MacDonald's analysis of the Beatles' music and lyrics.
- Take notes on key concepts and ideas.
- Discuss the book with other students or music enthusiasts.
Host a Beatles Listening Party
Show steps
Hosting a Beatles listening party will provide students with an opportunity to share their love of the band's music and engage with other fans.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Beatles album or playlist to listen to.
- Invite friends, classmates, or other music enthusiasts to attend.
- Set up a listening space with comfortable seating and good acoustics.
- Play the Beatles album or playlist and encourage participants to share their thoughts and feelings about the music.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Playlist of Beatles Influences
Show steps
Creating a playlist of Beatles influences will help students explore the musical roots of the band and understand their inspirations.
Browse courses on
Music History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the Beatles' influences, including artists, genres, and musical styles.
- Create a playlist on a streaming service or music player.
- Write a brief description for each song, explaining why it influenced the Beatles.
- Share the playlist with other students or music enthusiasts.
Analyze a Beatles Song
Show steps
Analyzing a Beatles song will help students understand the band's songwriting techniques, lyrical themes, and musical arrangements.
Browse courses on
Songwriting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Beatles song for analysis.
- Listen to the song multiple times, paying attention to its structure, melody, harmony, and lyrics.
- Research the song's history, including its recording process and inspirations.
- Write an analytical essay discussing the song's musical and lyrical elements.
- Present your analysis to the class or a small group.
Transcribe a Beatles Song
Show steps
Transcribing a Beatles song will help students develop their musical skills and deepen their understanding of the band's music.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Beatles song to transcribe.
- Listen to the song carefully and identify its notes, chords, and rhythms.
- Write down the transcription using musical notation.
- Check your transcription against the original recording.
- Practice playing the transcription on your instrument.
Create a Podcast Episode on a Beatles Album
Show steps
Creating a podcast episode on a Beatles album will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the band's music and engage with a wider audience.
Browse courses on
Content Creation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Beatles album to focus on.
- Research the album's history, recording process, and critical reception.
- Write a script for the podcast episode.
- Record the podcast episode using audio recording software.
- Edit the podcast episode and add any necessary sound effects or music.
- Publish the podcast episode on a hosting platform.
Contribute to a Beatles Tribute Album
Show steps
Contributing to a Beatles tribute album will allow students to showcase their musical talents and collaborate with other musicians.
Browse courses on
Music Production
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Beatles tribute album project to join.
- Choose a Beatles song to cover.
- Record your cover of the song.
- Submit your recording to the tribute album project organizers.
- Attend the album's release party or promote it on social media.
Career center
Learners who complete The Music of the Beatles will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Historian
Music Historian
Music historians research and write about the history of music. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music history. The course provides a detailed look at the Beatles' career and the broader context of popular music in the 1960s. It offers insights into the cultural significance of the Beatles and their music, as well as the social and political factors that influenced their work.
Music Publisher
Music Publisher
Music publishers manage the rights to music and collect royalties for songwriters and composers. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music publishing, as it provides an in-depth look at the business and legal aspects of the music industry, including topics such as copyright, contracts, and royalties. It offers historical context on the evolution of music publishing and the role of publishers in promoting and protecting the work of songwriters.
Music Executive
Music Executive
Music executives manage and oversee the business side of the music industry. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for an aspiring music executive, as it provides insight into the business and legal aspects of the music industry, including topics such as copyright, contracts, and royalties. It offers historical context on the evolution of the music industry, which can help aspiring executives make informed decisions and navigate challenges.
Music Archivist
Music Archivist
Music archivists preserve and organize music collections. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music archiving, as it provides a detailed look at the Beatles' career and the broader context of popular music in the 1960s. It offers insights into the cultural significance of the Beatles and their music, as well as the importance of preserving and protecting music heritage.
Music Promoter
Music Promoter
Music promoters organize and promote concerts and other music events. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music promotion. The course provides valuable insights into the music industry and the role of promoters in shaping the live music experience. It provides historical context on the evolution of music promotion and the strategies used to build successful music events.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music critics evaluate and write about music. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music criticism. The course provides a foundation for understanding popular music and its critical reception. It helps someone develop the skills to analyze and evaluate music, as well as to write effectively about music.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
Music journalists write and report on music and the music industry. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for aspiring music journalists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the Beatles' career, musical development, and impact on the music industry. It helps build a foundation for understanding popular music and the role of the Beatles within the broader context of music history.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music librarians manage and preserve music collections. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music librarianship, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the Beatles' career and musical development. It helps build a foundation for understanding popular music and the role of libraries in preserving and providing access to music.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music producers oversee the recording and production of music. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for aspiring music producers because it helps build a foundation for understanding the music industry, the role of the producer, and the creative decisions that go into making a successful record. It provides an in-depth look at the recording techniques and innovations used by the Beatles, which can be valuable knowledge for aspiring producers.
Radio Disc Jockey
Radio Disc Jockey
Radio disc jockeys play music on the radio and provide commentary. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in working as a radio disc jockey. The course provides valuable knowledge about the history of popular music and the Beatles' significant contributions to the genre. It helps someone develop an understanding of different music styles and how to engage with an audience.
Composer
Composer
Composers create original music pieces. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in composing music. The course helps someone develop an understanding of how music can evolve and adapt over time. It builds upon knowledge of musical composition and analysis by focusing on the development of individual songs, as well as the broader trajectory of the Beatles' career. Composers need to have a strong understanding of musical theory. The Music of the Beatles provides insight into how musical elements are used to create successful compositions.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music teachers educate students about music and help them develop their musical skills. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for an aspiring music teacher, as it can provide valuable insights into popular music and the history of rock and roll. It can give music teachers tools to help students develop an appreciation for music and its diverse forms.
Music Instrument Maker
Music Instrument Maker
Music instrument makers create and repair musical instruments. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in making musical instruments. The course provides insights into the design and construction of musical instruments, as well as the materials and techniques used to create them. It also offers historical context on the evolution of musical instrument making and the significant contributions of the Beatles to popular music.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for those interested in music therapy. The course helps someone develop an understanding of how music can be used to help people cope with difficult emotions and experiences. It can provide insight into the power of music to heal and inspire.
Musician
Musician
Musicians are responsible for composing, performing, and arranging music. Those who study the Beatles frequently develop a passion for music theory and performance practice. The Music of the Beatles may be useful for an aspiring musician, as it can help build a foundation for understanding popular music from a historical perspective. It can help someone develop an understanding of how music can evolve and adapt over time.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0rya4c/the
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
The Music of the Beatles:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
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Reading list
We've selected 14 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
The Music of the Beatles.
Save
Detailed history of the Beatles, from their early days to their final days. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' history.
Save
This acclaimed book offers an in-depth exploration of the Beatles' entire discography, providing detailed analysis of each album and song. It valuable resource for understanding the musical evolution of the band and the cultural context in which their music was created.
Save
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the Beatles' songwriting, examining the lyrics, melodies, and harmonies of their most famous songs. It offers valuable insights into the creative process of the band and is considered a classic work on the subject.
Collection of interviews with the Beatles, from their early days to their final days. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' thoughts and feelings.
Detailed analysis of the Beatles' music, from their early days to their final days. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' music.
Save
This comprehensive biography traces the Beatles' journey from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to their worldwide fame and eventual breakup. It offers a detailed account of their personal lives, relationships, and creative process, providing a deeper understanding of the band's dynamics.
Save
Comprehensive guide to the Beatles' recordings, from their early days to their final days. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' music.
Save
Detailed account of the Beatles' recording sessions for their album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' creative process.
Detailed analysis of the Beatles' album "The White Album". It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' music.
Detailed analysis of the Beatles' album "Abbey Road". It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' music.
Detailed account of the Beatles' recording sessions for their album "Let It Be". It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' creative process.
Save
Detailed account of the Beatles' solo careers, from their early days to their final days. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' music.
Collection of interviews, photographs, and other materials from the Beatles' archives. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' history.
Collection of photographs and other materials from the Beatles' archives. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Beatles' history.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0rya4c/the
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Effort
12-24 hours of videos and quizzes
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Rochester
Instructor
John Covach
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
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Svenska
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Türkçe
Polski
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українська мова
magyar nyelv
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Good to know
Studies the musical growth of the Beatles, tracing their musical development from their humble beginnings to their rise to global stardom
Led by John Covach, an experienced music professor and author
Provides an in-depth exploration of the Beatles' music, encompassing their pop hits, psychedelic experimentation, and artistic maturity
Suitable for music enthusiasts, Beatles fans, and those interested in the history of popular music
Emphasizes the influence of recording techniques, the music industry, and the cultural landscape on the Beatles' artistry
Assumes a basic understanding of music theory and music history
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
The Music of the Beatles
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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