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Bright Sheng,
Ilari Kaila,
and
Isaac Droscha
Bright Sheng guides us through three works — by Brahms, Beethoven, and Sheng — for an intimate look inside the composer's mind. This course strives to give students a new appreciation of music, based on an understanding of the craft behind each work. This class is perfect for those wanting to gain a unique perspective on the creative process of music composition, while challenging traditional notions of how composers approach formal structure, melody, and harmony.
Read more
Bright Sheng guides us through three works — by Brahms, Beethoven, and Sheng — for an intimate look inside the composer's mind. This course strives to give students a new appreciation of music, based on an understanding of the craft behind each work. This class is perfect for those wanting to gain a unique perspective on the creative process of music composition, while challenging traditional notions of how composers approach formal structure, melody, and harmony.
Read more
Bright Sheng guides us through three works — by Brahms, Beethoven, and Sheng — for an intimate look inside the composer's mind. This course strives to give students a new appreciation of music, based on an understanding of the craft behind each work. This class is perfect for those wanting to gain a unique perspective on the creative process of music composition, while challenging traditional notions of how composers approach formal structure, melody, and harmony.
Week 1 focuses on the question “what is melody?”, and on the meticulous design of Brahms's Intermezzo, op. 118, no. 2. Week 2 concentrates on the fundamentals of harmony, and how Beethoven thought of harmony to generate his Symphony No. 7 in A Major, op. 92. Week 3 applies the same paradigm to a living composer, Bright Sheng himself, and reveals how he found inspiration in the works of these titans of music in his Four Movements for Piano Trio. While helpful, it is not expected students have a background in music to take the course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/zl14s3/intimacy
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What's inside
Syllabus
Orientation and Module 1: Melody
This series of lectures on melody uses Johannes Brahms's Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2, as its starting point.
Read more
Syllabus
Orientation and Module 1: Melody
This series of lectures on melody uses Johannes Brahms's Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2, as its starting point.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by Bright Sheng, Ilari Kaila, and Isaac Droscha, who are recognized for their work in classical music composition
Examines how melody, harmony, and form are used in classical music composition
Suitable for learners with no background in music
Provides a unique perspective on the creative process of music composition
Covers a range of topics, from melody to post-tonal composition
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Reviews summary
Intimate journey into composers' minds
According to students, this course offers a profound and eye-opening experience, guiding learners into the creative processes of renowned composers like Brahms, Beethoven, and Bright Sheng. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional instructor, Professor Sheng, whose engaging lectures and unparalleled ability to simplify complex musical concepts make the content accessible. Many found it deepened their appreciation for music and offered a truly unique perspective. While the course is broadly considered accessible for those without a music background, a few learners noted that the pace can be fast or that some post-tonal concepts were challenging, suggesting a slight benefit for those with minimal prior exposure to music theory. Overall, students say it's a highly enriching and rewarding journey.
Designed to be understandable even for non-musicians.
"The way he broke down complex ideas into understandable segments made it accessible, even without a formal music background."
"I would highly recommend this course for music lovers of all backgrounds."
"I appreciated how the course focused on different eras of music while keeping it comprehensible for a general audience."
Significantly enhances how one listens to and understands music.
"It deepened my understanding immensely."
"This course made me listen to music with new ears."
"I gained such a profound appreciation for the thought process behind great works, truly enriching my musical experience."
Offers a deep, 'behind-the-scenes' look at composition.
"This course was truly eye-opening! I've listened to music for years, but never understood the 'why' behind composition like this."
"It's an incredible journey into the creative process! It made me listen to music with new ears."
"I never thought I could understand composition at this level without years of study; it offers an invaluable perspective."
Instructor's passion and clarity are highly praised.
"Professor Sheng's insights into Brahms, Beethoven, and his own work were profound. His passion for music is infectious..."
"Absolutely brilliant! Professor Sheng's ability to simplify complex musical concepts is unparalleled."
"I found Professor Sheng to be a master educator; I gained such a profound appreciation for the thought process behind great works."
Some parts may be fast or challenging for absolute beginners.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit fast-paced, especially for someone new to formal music analysis."
"For a beginner, I felt some of the explanations assumed a higher level of prior knowledge than stated in the course description."
"The third week on post-tonal music was quite a leap in complexity, which might be a challenge if you're completely new to the topic."
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 Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers with these
activities:
Practice playing a musical instrument before starting the course
Show steps
Refine your dexterity and knowledge of your instrument, fostering a stronger foundation for the course material.
Show steps
-
Set aside dedicated practice time each day.
-
Review basic techniques and exercises.
-
Play familiar pieces to build confidence.
Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Show steps
Create a central repository for your course materials to improve your ability to review and retain information.
Browse courses on
Study Habits
Show steps
-
Use a binder, notebook, or digital platform to organize your materials.
-
Create separate sections for notes, assignments, and quizzes.
-
Keep your materials up-to-date and easily accessible.
Follow online tutorials on music theory concepts covered in the course
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the course material by seeking additional resources and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Search for tutorials on specific topics you want to reinforce.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes.
-
Try applying the concepts learned in the tutorials to your own musical compositions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice identifying intervals and chords by ear
Show steps
Strengthen your aural skills and deepen your understanding of the building blocks of music.
Browse courses on
Harmony
Show steps
-
Use an online ear training tool or app.
-
Start with simple intervals and gradually increase the difficulty.
-
Pay attention to the quality and relationship of the notes.
-
Practice regularly to improve your accuracy and speed.
Form a study group with classmates to discuss course material and work on assignments together
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by sharing perspectives, asking questions, and working through problems collaboratively.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Find a few classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Decide on a meeting schedule and location.
-
Take turns leading discussions and presenting concepts.
-
Work together on assignments and projects.
Read 'The Craft of Musical Composition' by Paul Hindemith
Show steps
Gain insights into the techniques and principles used by a renowned composer, complementing the course's exploration of musical structure.
View
The Craft of Musical Composition: Theoretical...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
-
Analyze the musical examples provided in the book.
-
Apply the principles discussed in the book to your own compositions.
Compose a short piano piece based on the principles of melody discussed in the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of melody and harmony by applying them to a practical composition project.
Browse courses on
Melody
Show steps
-
Review the course material on melody and harmony.
-
Choose a key and tempo for your piece.
-
Write a simple melody that follows the principles discussed in the course.
-
Create a chord progression that supports the melody.
-
Expand and develop your piece by adding dynamics, ornamentation, and other musical elements.
Write a detailed analysis of a piece of music you enjoy
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills and deepen your appreciation for music by examining its structure, harmony, and other elements.
Browse courses on
Music Analysis
Show steps
-
Choose a piece of music that you find particularly interesting.
-
Listen to the piece multiple times, paying close attention to its details.
-
Identify the key, tempo, and meter of the piece.
-
Analyze the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the piece.
-
Write a detailed essay that discusses your findings.
Practice playing a musical instrument before starting the course
Show steps
Refine your dexterity and knowledge of your instrument, fostering a stronger foundation for the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set aside dedicated practice time each day.
- Review basic techniques and exercises.
- Play familiar pieces to build confidence.
Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Show steps
Create a central repository for your course materials to improve your ability to review and retain information.
Browse courses on
Study Habits
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use a binder, notebook, or digital platform to organize your materials.
- Create separate sections for notes, assignments, and quizzes.
- Keep your materials up-to-date and easily accessible.
Follow online tutorials on music theory concepts covered in the course
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the course material by seeking additional resources and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on specific topics you want to reinforce.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes.
- Try applying the concepts learned in the tutorials to your own musical compositions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice identifying intervals and chords by ear
Show steps
Strengthen your aural skills and deepen your understanding of the building blocks of music.
Browse courses on
Harmony
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use an online ear training tool or app.
- Start with simple intervals and gradually increase the difficulty.
- Pay attention to the quality and relationship of the notes.
- Practice regularly to improve your accuracy and speed.
Form a study group with classmates to discuss course material and work on assignments together
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by sharing perspectives, asking questions, and working through problems collaboratively.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a few classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
- Decide on a meeting schedule and location.
- Take turns leading discussions and presenting concepts.
- Work together on assignments and projects.
Read 'The Craft of Musical Composition' by Paul Hindemith
Show steps
Gain insights into the techniques and principles used by a renowned composer, complementing the course's exploration of musical structure.
View
The Craft of Musical Composition: Theoretical...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
- Analyze the musical examples provided in the book.
- Apply the principles discussed in the book to your own compositions.
Compose a short piano piece based on the principles of melody discussed in the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of melody and harmony by applying them to a practical composition project.
Browse courses on
Melody
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course material on melody and harmony.
- Choose a key and tempo for your piece.
- Write a simple melody that follows the principles discussed in the course.
- Create a chord progression that supports the melody.
- Expand and develop your piece by adding dynamics, ornamentation, and other musical elements.
Write a detailed analysis of a piece of music you enjoy
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills and deepen your appreciation for music by examining its structure, harmony, and other elements.
Browse courses on
Music Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a piece of music that you find particularly interesting.
- Listen to the piece multiple times, paying close attention to its details.
- Identify the key, tempo, and meter of the piece.
- Analyze the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the piece.
- Write a detailed essay that discusses your findings.
Career center
Learners who complete Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Composition Professor
Music Composition Professor
Music Composition Professors need to have a deep understanding of the creative process of music composition, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your own creative process and learn how to analyze the work of other composers. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Composition Professor.
Music Theory Professor
Music Theory Professor
Music Theory Professors need to have a strong foundation in music theory, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your understanding of the fundamentals of melody, harmony, and form. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Theory Professor.
Musician
Musician
Musicians need to have a deep understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your musical skills and learn how to analyze the work of other musicians. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Musician.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your critical thinking skills and learn how to analyze the work of other composers. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Critic.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
Music Journalists need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your writing skills and learn how to report on the music industry. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Journalist.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music Producers need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your production skills and learn how to work with musicians. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Producer.
Music Engineer
Music Engineer
Music Engineers need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your engineering skills and learn how to work with audio equipment. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Engineer.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your therapeutic skills and learn how to use music to help people. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Therapist.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music Librarians need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your research skills and learn how to organize and manage music collections. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Librarian.
Music Archivist
Music Archivist
Music Archivists need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your archival skills and learn how to preserve and protect music collections. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Archivist.
Music Educator
Music Educator
Music Educators need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your teaching skills and learn how to work with students. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Educator.
Composer
Composer
Composers need to have a deep understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your compositional skills and learn how to write music. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Composer.
Music Director
Music Director
Music Directors need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your leadership skills and learn how to manage a music organization. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Director.
Music Business Manager
Music Business Manager
Music Business Managers need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your business skills and learn how to manage the financial aspects of a music career. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Business Manager.
Music Promoter
Music Promoter
Music Promoters need to have a strong understanding of music, which this course can help provide. The course will help you develop your marketing skills and learn how to promote music events. This will give you the skills you need to be successful in a career as a Music Promoter.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zl14s3/intimacy
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques and principles of orchestration. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the art of orchestration. This book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of orchestration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the acoustics of musical instruments. It valuable resource for musicians, composers, and anyone who is interested in the science of sound.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, including the perception of music and the role of music in emotion and cognition.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of recording engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of music production.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of mix engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of mastering engineering.
Provides a comprehensive anthology of Western music. It includes a wide range of musical genres, from classical music to folk music to popular music.
Save
Provides a comprehensive encyclopedia of music and musicians. It includes a wide range of articles on musical genres, composers, performers, and musical instruments.
Explores the relationship between music and mathematics. It provides a fascinating look at the mathematical patterns that can be found in music.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of music. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Western music, the history of non-Western music, and the history of music theory.
Save
Delves into the scientific study of the brain processing, behavior and experience of music.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zl14s3/intimacy
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Rating
4.6
Effort
5 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Instructors
Bright Sheng
Ilari Kaila
Isaac Droscha
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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Português
Deutsch
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中文
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日本語
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