Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 6 from Coursera

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Class

WELCOME TO CLASS! We are thrilled that you have joined us for Part 6 of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas course, taught by Jonathan Biss, Chair of Piano Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. Jonathan is recognized as a world-renown concert artist and musical thinker. This course is Part 6 of the existing series called Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas. As with all sections of this course, Part 6 contains new and separate sets of lectures. Specifically, we will dive into Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Opp. 14 and 49; Sonata Op. 31 No. 3; Op. 54; and Op. 111. It is important to remind you that it is not necessary to have taken the previous Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas courses, in order to enroll in this one. We think you will be perfectly comfortable to start learning with Part 6 if you wish and continue backwards. Between these courses, there exists a large amount of additional resources and learning that might be helpful as you embark on Part 6. And of course, we strongly encourage you to take Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, if you have not yet. In the meantime, have a terrific time taking this class and Part 6 of Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas.

Opp. 14 and 49

Op. 31 No. 3

Op. 54

Op. 111

Your Thoughts Welcome

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Jonathan Biss, recognized as a world-class concert artist and musical thinker

Teaches tools and software that are highly relevant in an academic setting

Designed for advanced learners who have a strong understanding of Beethoven

Reviews summary

Beethoven's piano sonatas - well received

Learners largely praise this course and appreciate the instructor's in-depth analysis and playing of Beethoven's piano sonatas. They especially appreciate the instructor's passion for the subject matter.

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 Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 6 with these activities:

Review piano technique

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Revisit and practice foundational piano skills to refresh knowledge and strengthen playing technique.

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Review basic scales and arpeggios.
Practice sight-reading exercises.
Play through familiar pieces to warm up.

Read 'Beethoven's Piano Sonatas: A Guide for Performers' by Robert Levin

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Gain insights into the performance and interpretation of Beethoven's piano sonatas from an expert's perspective.

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Read through specific chapters relevant to the sonatas covered in the course.
Analyze the author's interpretations and performance suggestions.

Explore online tutorials for specific piano techniques

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Enhance skills by seeking guidance from online experts through tutorials that cover specific techniques or concepts.

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Identify specific areas where additional guidance is needed.
Search for reputable online tutorials that demonstrate the desired techniques.
Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques.

Three other activities

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Attend group practice sessions with fellow learners

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Collaborate with fellow learners to share knowledge, provide feedback, and enhance understanding through group practice.

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Connect with other learners in the course.
Organize regular practice sessions.
Share progress, discuss challenges, and provide constructive feedback.

Compose short musical pieces based on course material

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Apply knowledge of Beethoven's sonatas to create original compositions, fostering a deeper understanding of musical structures and techniques.

Browse courses on Composition

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Analyze the structure and harmonic progressions of the sonatas studied in class.
Experiment with different musical ideas and motifs.
Compose short pieces that demonstrate comprehension of the course concepts.

Offer piano lessons or assistance to aspiring pianists

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Solidify knowledge and skills by sharing them with others, while simultaneously contributing to the community and fostering a love of music.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify opportunities to volunteer at local music schools or community centers.
Offer assistance to aspiring pianists by providing guidance and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 6 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Teacher

Music Teachers lead instruction in music, both vocal and instrumental. These educators teach students music theory, technique, and history. They also help students develop their musical skills and talents. As with many educators, they plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and curriculum. For a Music Teacher seeking deeper knowledge of music and its application, this course may be helpful, as it provides insights into the works of Beethoven, a titan of music history. Music Teachers can use this knowledge to enrich their own musical understanding and share it with their students.

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Musician

Musicians perform music, either as soloists or as members of a group. They may play instruments, sing, or both. Musicians entertain audiences, express themselves creatively, and teach others about music. This course may be useful for Musicians who wish to expand their knowledge of Beethoven's piano sonatas. Studying the works of a master can help them better understand music theory and technique, which can improve their own musical performances.

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Music Professor

Music Professors teach music at colleges and universities. They instruct students in music theory, history, and performance. Music Professors also conduct research and publish scholarly articles. They typically hold a master's or doctorate in music. This course may be useful for Music Professors who specialize in Beethoven's music. It can help them gain a deeper understanding of his piano sonatas, which can inform their teaching and research.

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Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They attend concerts and performances, and then write about their experiences. Music Critics help the public understand and appreciate music. This course may be useful for Music Critics who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Critics can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and his impact on music history.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians acquire, catalog, and preserve music materials. They also provide reference and research assistance to patrons. Music Librarians typically have a master's degree in library science or music. This course may be useful for Music Librarians who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Librarians can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its place in music history.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They interview musicians, attend concerts, and review new releases. Music Journalists help the public stay informed about the latest trends in music. This course may be useful for Music Journalists who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Journalists can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its impact on music history.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They work with people of all ages and abilities. Music Therapists typically have a bachelor's degree in music therapy or a related field. This course may be useful for Music Therapists who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Therapists can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its potential therapeutic benefits.

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Music Director

Music Directors lead and conduct orchestras, bands, and choirs. They are responsible for interpreting music and ensuring that it is performed accurately and expressively. Music Directors typically have a master's or doctorate in music. This course may be useful for Music Directors who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Directors can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its place in music history.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create high-quality recordings. Music Producers typically have a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. This course may be useful for Music Producers who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Producers can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its production techniques.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt music for different instruments or ensembles. They may also create new arrangements of existing pieces. Music Arrangers typically have a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. This course may be useful for Music Arrangers who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Arrangers can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its structure.

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Music Copyist

Music Copyists prepare sheet music for publication or performance. They may also transcribe music from one format to another. Music Copyists typically have a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. This course may be useful for Music Copyists who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Copyists can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its notation.

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Music Instrument Maker

Music Instrument Makers create and repair musical instruments. They may specialize in a particular type of instrument, such as stringed instruments, woodwinds, or brass instruments. Music Instrument Makers typically have a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. This course may be useful for Music Instrument Makers who want to learn more about Beethoven's piano sonatas. By studying these works, Music Instrument Makers can gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven's music and its relationship to the piano.

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