Barnstable Music Classes for Adults

The History of Broadway, an American Icon                                with Maestro John Hagon

Few people are more knowledgeable of the facts and fun of Broadway than John Hagon. He will take you backstage – literally and figuratively – to gain an entirely new perspective of and appreciation for this uniquely American art form with special attention to important musical shows that turned the theater in a new direction. Each week includes a generous audio and video presentation of key songs, (behind the) scenes and shows.

Wednesdays at 10:00 am – Noon
Two 12-week sessions

$125 for each 12-week session
$225 for the complete 24-week course

Session I – Starts October 15

Beginnings (1893–1920). The early musical theater productions of George M. Cohan and the first appearance of the European operetta. A video of The Merry Widow

The Roaring 20’s Composers Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Jerome Kern. The operetta and Romberg’s The New Moon;the most important show of the decade: Showboat.

The Decade of the 30’s    George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers. Videos include Porgy and Bess and Pal Joey.

The Giants Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers, and Cole Porter. Videos include Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma, South Pacific, and Kiss Me, Kate.

The ‘50s   Lerner & Loewe and future star Stephen Sondheim as he teams with Leonard Bernstein for West Side Story. Video of My Fair Lady will also be featured.

Session II – Starts February 4

A New Beat   The decade of the 1960’s and the music of Jerry Herman. One of the important shows of the decade, Fiddler on the Roof. The beginning of things to come from the British musical theater: Oliver.

His Master’s Voice   The rise of Stephen Sondheim in the 70's . Video presentations of A Little Night Music and Sweeny Todd. A return of the musical revue: Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Rock of Ages   The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Video presentations will include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables.

The 90’s and beyond   A look at revival shows; Broadway innovations and adaptations. A discussion of Broadway’s La Boheme and Rent. Videos of Crazy for You and Company.

Opera for Opera Lovers!

with Prof. Berke McKelvey

The Origins of Opera

Who ever thought it was a good idea to stage a play where everyone is singing all the way through it?

This class explores the reasons for developing the art form that we know --and love -- as Opera.  Berklee professor Berke McKelvey will start your journey with a study of the early surviving versions of opera. 

It all started, not surprisingly, in Europe with Monteverdi’s Orfeo.  He’ll then trace its development throughout Europe until it crosses the channel to England.  That is the home of Purcell’s Dido and Æneas as well as many famous works by someone with whom we don’t always associate opera:  George Frederic Handel (Julius Ceasar, Tamerlano, Agrippina, Rinaldo and Alcina).  It will be a fascinating, full six weeks!   

Tuesdays 10:00 am – Noon
6 weeks starting October 14
$100

Second session:  High Opera, the works of the 1800s 

Third session:  Modern Opera:  Wagner to today

Music Appreciation

with Dr. SharonRose Pfeiffer

This course will be designed to give basic understanding to the various musical styles and structures in a survey of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods.  How can I listen to a Symphony with understanding?  How can I make an educated guess about the composer and period of a piece of music? You'll know!  And you'll never listen to music the same!

This 6-week class includes an optional trip to the Boston Symphony Orchestra to attend an open rehearsal with Daniel Barenboim conducting Schubert Fantasy in f minor for piano 4 hands, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Carter’s Interventions and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.

Thursdays 9:30 – 11:00 am
5 weeks of classes plus optional concert trip
Starting October 23
$95

Dr. SharonRose Pfeiffer has performed recitals throughout the United States and Europe. The winner of a Fulbright scholarship, Pfeiffer spent a year in Toulouse, coaching with composer and organist Xavier Darasse, and researching organ restorations in southern France. During that year, she won first prize in the prestigious Concours Internationale des Arts Renaissance. In 1989, the French government sponsored Pfeiffer on a concert tour of southern France, where one reviewer described her playing as "exuberant...profoundly sensitive" La Depeche.

As a distinguished harpsichordist, Pfeiffer has performed with the Phoenix Chamber Orchestra, Phoenix Bach Choir, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and the American Embassy in Paris. She received her Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. She earned her Masters Degree and Doctorate in organ performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she was teaching assistant to David Craighead in organ and to Arthur Haas in harpsichord.

The Sounds of Music

with Maestro Royston Nash

Spend a mesmerizing session with The Maestro and learn how and why the instruments of a symphony orchestra make the beautiful sounds that they do. You’ll never hear music the same!

The Cape Cod Symphony’s long-time conductor and Music Director Laureate will share with you the secrets and science of creating the world's most beautiful music.

Thursday, October 9
10:00 am – Noon
Includes a light lunch and reception with Maestro Nash
$25

Guys and Dolls

with Dru Sunderman

If singing is one of your Favorite Things... come and join other singers in a new Broadway  Cabaret chorus. 

Wouldn't It Be Loverly to sing all the way from the South Pacific to Oklahoma while learning how to perform as part of an ensemble!

You don't have to go all the way to Chicago to do that!  It's right here at the Conservatopry under the direction of our Broadway voice teacher, Dru Sunderman!

Tuesdays
1 - 2:15 pm
10 weeks
Starting September 30
$145

Dru Sunderman, like the Broadway music she teaches, is an icon. She has inspired and influenced thousands of voices over the years. Several of her students are on Broadway stages today! All of her students share her love for the great melodies and benefit from her unbridled passion.

String Ensemble

A wonderful opportunity to explore the Baroque and Early Classical repertoire for violin, viola, cello and bass players.  Suzuki Book II or equivalent experience is required.  A fun, collaborative and easy-going evnvironment that will culminate in community performances thanks to a generous grant from the Cape Cod Melody Tent.

Monday 5:45 – 6:45 pm

$120

12 Sessions starting Sept 22

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