The music of the great composers – Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Liszt – continues to be studied, performed, and enjoyed today. This course takes a look at the personal lives and important musical contributions of some of the greatest composers. Students will learn about the backstories, successes, failures, and times of these musicians. Students will also listen to some of their most important works and learn to analyze specific musical devices present in the music by looking at the scores (ie, sheet music). NOTE: Students do NOT need to be able to read music in order to take this course.
INSTRUCTOR: Paul Buono is a pianist who has toured internationally as a sideman for various pop/jazz artists and as a musical director for Princess and Cunard cruise lines. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance as well as a law degree. Paul teaches online through his online music studio (paulbuonomusic.com) and is a member of the music faculty at WPI, Clark University, and Assumption University (where he also serves as the director of the jazz ensemble).
NO REQUIRED BOOKS
