How to Listen to Great Music for Orchestra from edX

Build foundational skills for listening to orchestra music and gain insights that will enrich your enjoyment of music for life.

This course, developed by Dr. L. Michael Griffel, chair of Juilliard's music history department, features five key orchestra pieces from Baroque through the 20th century.

Through video examples and online instruction, you will deepen your knowledge of a range of orchestral music and composers so that you can confidently identify classical music that you like, whether you're attending a concert or listening on Spotify.

Verified Learning Track: Upgrade to the verified learning track for a more in-depth and immersive musical experience, featuring:

Full HD video performances from the Berliner Philharmoniker
5 HD Expert Insights videos with key insights
Listening Guide and Analysis for Each of the 5 works

*Please note that due to copyright compliance, learners in this course must have access to Vimeo to view all video content. Vimeo may not be supported in all countries.

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Develops foundational skills for listening to orchestral music, appealing to individuals wishing to enhance their music appreciation

Taught by Dr. L. Michael Griffel, chair of Juilliard's music history department, and Dr. Lisa B. Robinson, signifying the presence of expert instructors

Explores five key orchestra pieces from Baroque through the 20th century, providing a comprehensive overview of orchestral music history

Requires access to Vimeo for viewing video content, which may not be available in all countries, potentially limiting accessibility for some learners

Career center

Learners who complete How to Listen to Great Music for Orchestra will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Conductor

Conductors lead and guide orchestras in performances. This course can help deepen their understanding of orchestral music, providing valuable insights into the structure, composition, and interpretation of orchestral works. This knowledge is crucial for conducting orchestras with precision and conveying the intended emotions and messages of musical pieces.

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Composer

Composers create new musical works, often for orchestras. This course will be beneficial in broadening their understanding and appreciation of orchestral music. The analysis of key orchestral pieces can inspire new ideas and enhance their ability to compose for orchestras.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt and modify musical works for different instruments or ensembles. This course can help them gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies and possibilities of orchestral arrangements, empowering them to create effective and captivating arrangements for orchestras.

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Musician

For Musicians aiming to perform in orchestras, a foundational understanding of orchestral pieces is essential. This course will help deepen your understanding of the inner workings of various orchestral pieces, which could give you an edge and help you excel as a Musician in an orchestra.

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Music Director

For anyone wishing to become a Music Director, it is imperative that they have a seasoned understanding of orchestral music and composition, as well as a discerning ear to captivate audiences. This course provides a foundational understanding of orchestral music and history, which will undoubtedly complement a career as a Music Director. There are numerous duties a Music Director is responsible for, such as conducting an orchestra and preparing scores for rehearsals. Understanding how orchestral music works "under the hood" will aid in higher quality performances and greater admiration from audiences.

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Music Educator

Music Educators teach music at various levels, including in schools and universities. This course can enhance their pedagogical skills and knowledge, particularly in orchestral music. They can incorporate the insights and materials from this course into their teaching, enriching the learning experience for their students.

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Music Professor

Music Professors are highly knowledgeable in music theory, history, and performance. This course will prove useful in expanding their understanding of orchestral music, enriching their ability to teach and engage students in the subject.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians play a vital role in preserving and organizing musical works. This course can help build a strong foundation in understanding and appreciating orchestral pieces, which is beneficial for managing and cataloging orchestral scores and recordings in a library.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers play an essential role in cultivating future generations of musicians and enthusiasts. This course can aid in building a solid foundation for a Music Teacher to pass on their knowledge of orchestral music to students. The course's study of five key orchestral pieces will help a Music Teacher become better equipped to teach about orchestration and music history.

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Concert Organizer

Concert Organizers must have a deep comprehension of music, including orchestral works. This course will aid them in comprehending the complexities and nuances of orchestral music, enabling them to make informed decisions in organizing and managing concerts.

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Arts Administrator

A deep understanding of orchestral music can be an asset. This course will help Arts Administrators enhance their knowledge of orchestral works, allowing them to effectively manage and support orchestras and other musical organizations.

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Music Producer

Music Producers are responsible for recording and producing musical works. This course can broaden their knowledge and appreciation of orchestral music, enabling them to make informed decisions in capturing and enhancing the sound and quality of orchestral recordings.

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Music Critic

Music Critics heavily rely upon their in-depth knowledge of music and a finely tuned ear for critique. This course can help build a foundational framework to better appreciate orchestra music. Roles and responsibilities include writing reviews, analyzing music performances, and discussing new works in the field. This course may be useful in strengthening the Music Critic's foundational understanding of orchestral works to aid in music critiques.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists need a solid grounding in music to write insightful articles and reviews. This course can help bolster their knowledge, particularly in orchestral music. Writing about orchestral performances and understanding the nuances of different compositions will be invaluable in their role.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use the power of music to help individuals improve their well-being. This course can aid in developing a deeper appreciation for different orchestral compositions and how they evoke emotional responses in listeners. Music Therapists help rehabilitate, manage, and treat patients with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. This course may be useful in enriching a Music Therapist's expertise in music.

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