Juilliard Extension Division Spring 2025 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
History & Appreciation
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These courses offer a broad exploration of the performing arts world. They are designed especially for people who enjoy the arts but who may not be artists themselves. Many of these courses complement Lincoln Center and Juilliard performances and, on occasion, present guest performers in class. A complete searchable calendar of Juilliard performances can be found here. Please find a complete list of History & Appreciation offerings below.
History & Appreciation: Music
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EVDOL 10 - Exploring Classical Music with Scott Eyerly
Scott Eyerly
What is the difference between a melody and a motive? What is sonata form? What are the characteristics of different musical periods and who were the major composers in them? In this course, which ranges in scope from chant to Chopin to Copland, both novices and experienced concertgoers can expand their horizons. Students will get an overview of classical music history and common musical concepts, which are explained in class lectures and demonstrated by great recordings. By learning how to listen and whom and what to listen for, students will enhance their understanding and enjoyment of classical music. No prior knowledge of the subject matter necessary.
13 weeks
Mondays 5:45–7:15pm ET
January 27–April 28
In Person Only
$663
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EVDOL 19 - Vienna: Intersections of Music, Politics, and Society
Catherine Kautsky
Vienna, renowned as the city of music, has also been shaped by its complex history encompassing empire, socialism, and fascism. During the era of Mozart and Schubert, music flourished amidst the backdrop of imperial rule and censorship. A century later, Berg and Schoenberg created amidst the intellectual ferment of figures like Freud, Kokoschka, and Schnitzler. In the fin-de-siècle period, Vienna was a cauldron of sexual repression and libertinism, with soaring suicide rates and virulent anti-Semitism.
How does the music of these distinct eras mirror and respond to societal shifts? Catherine Kautsky, esteemed concert pianist, will illuminate these connections through performance and dialogue, drawing on her personal Viennese family history to offer insights into the broader societal landscape.
4 weeks
Thursdays 6–7:30pm ET
April 10–May 1
Online Only
$204
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EVDOL 20 - Gospel Music History
Damien Sneed
Gospel Music, one of the world’s most sought after and loved genres is an indigenous American musical style and genre. This online course will cover the origins, development, and impact of gospel music, along with key figures and movements within the genre. The course will allow the students to: understand the origins and cultural roots of gospel music, explore the evolution of gospel music through different eras, identify key figures and their contributions to gospel music, as well as analyze the impact of gospel music on various music genres and its influence on social and cultural movements. Topics covered will include: the roots of gospel music in African-American spirituals and hymns, the influence of the Great Migration and urbanization, Thomas Dorsey the “Father of Gospel Music”, Mahalia Jackson, the impact of radio, Clara Ward and quartet singers, the role of gospel music during the Civil Rights era, gospel music as a form of protest and reconciliation, Pentecostalism, Andrae Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Twinkie Clark and the Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Mary Mary, BET television, Bobby Jones Gospel, gospel music from Africa, Europe and other regions, the business of gospel music and the fusion of gospel music and classical music.
Biography: As a multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist, Damien Sneed is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and arts educator whose work spans multiple genres. He has worked with jazz, classical, pop, and R&B legends, including the late Aretha Franklin and Jessye Norman, which he is featured on Norman’s final recording, Bound For The Promised Land on Albany Records. He also worked with Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ashford & Simpson, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Brandie Inez Sutton and many others. Sneed has served as music director for Grammy Award-winning gospel artists The Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell, among others. Sneed is a 2020 Dove Award winner and 2021 NAACP Image Award winner for his work as a featured producer and writer on the Clark Sisters’ newest project, “The Return”, released on March 13, 2020. damiensneed.com
5 weeks
Tuesdays 8–9:30pm ET
January 28–February 25
Online Only
$255
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EVDOL 21 - Keyboard Literature in Concert: the 20th Century (Part 2)
Lisa Yui
Part 2: 1950s to 2000
The second part of the course explores the diverse styles and innovations in piano music from the postwar era to the turn of the 21st century. Students will be guided through the remarkable variety of works by Ligeti, Messiaen, Kapustin, John Adams, and others, who blended diverse influences to create innovative sounds and forms. All works will be performed live in class by guest pianists, including Juilliard students.
No prior enrollment in Part I is required, making this course a perfect standalone opportunity for all music enthusiasts eager to delve into the rich diversity of contemporary piano music.
8 weeks
Mondays 5:30–7pm ET
January 27–March 24
In Person Only
$480
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EVDOL 22 - Romantic Piano in the United States
Mirian Conti
Step into the enchanting world of American romantic piano music with our six-week course, designed for enthusiasts who want to explore the unique and rich tapestry of sounds that shaped the U.S. music landscape in the 19th and 20th centuries. This course delves into the works of iconic American pianists and composers such as Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Edward MacDowell, Amy Beach, Scott Joplin, and George Gershwin, whose compositions beautifully blend folk and popular idioms with classical traditions.
Each session is crafted to provide an immersive experience, examining how these composers incorporated elements of their American heritage into their music, creating a distinctive national style that resonates with romantic expressiveness and bold innovation. Through expert analysis, listening sessions, and engaging discussions, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of how these musical pioneers used their classical training to forge new paths in American music.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a student of music history, or a lover of piano music, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore the emotional depth and stylistic diversity of American romantic piano music. Join us on this musical journey to discover the stories and sounds that celebrate the spirit of America.
6 weeks
Mondays 5:30–7:00pm ET
February 3–March 10
Online Only
$338
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EVDOL 23 - Exploring Jazz: 1955-Present
Nathan See
This engaging lecture-based course provides an in-depth exploration of the rich history of jazz from its roots to the explosive creativity of the 1960s. Each week, students will delve into a distinct era or movement within the jazz genre, including ragtime, swing, bebop, and cool jazz, examining the contributions of key figures like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. The curriculum will highlight the artistic and social contexts that shaped their music and define jazz’s legacy.
The course is enhanced by live demonstrations from guest performers, who will interpret iconic jazz pieces, illustrating the unique characteristics and techniques of each jazz style. These sessions offer students a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of jazz in a visceral and interactive way.
Comprehensive discussions and multimedia presentations will enrich the understanding of jazz’s development and underscore its pivotal role in American cultural history. By the end of the course, students will not only have a solid grounding in the historical milestones of jazz but also appreciate its enduring influence on contemporary music and culture.
There are two parts of this course, which can be taken separately or together as a one year course. Please see the Fall Catalog for more information.
13 weeks
Mondays 5:30–7pm ET
January 27–April 28
In Person Only
$663
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EVDOL 27 - The Power of Music: Exploring Its Impact on Mind, Body, and Community
Renate Rohlfing
Music’s profound impact on human emotion, memory, and social connection is undeniable. But what makes it such a powerful force in our lives? This course offers a deep dive into the psychological, physiological, and sociological aspects of music, exploring how it shapes our experiences and influences our health.
Throughout the course, we will investigate how music can alter moods, evoke memories, and build community bonds. We will examine the latest research and insights into the effects of music on the brain and body, uncovering the scientific underpinnings that explain its therapeutic potentials. By studying creative projects and initiatives led by leading experts in the field of music and health, students will see firsthand the application of these theories in real-world settings.
Interactive discussions, engaging case studies, and creative exercises will further enhance your understanding, providing practical insights into how music can be effectively integrated into everyday life to promote well-being. This course is designed for anyone eager to understand the multifaceted role of music in individual and community health, whether you are a student, educator, health professional, or simply a music enthusiast.
Join us as we explore the myriad ways music can enrich our lives, improve our health, and strengthen our communities, making it an invaluable resource for fostering a healthier society.
8 weeks
Wednesdays 6–7:30pm ET
February 19–April 16
In Person Only
$408
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EVDOL 28 - The Film Music of Franz Waxman
Art Williford
This course will explore the life and music of one of the greatest film composers. Each class will focus on Waxman’s score for one film, spanning the greatest years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and ranging from the gothic splendor of The Bride of Frankenstein to the towering operatic melodrama of Sunset Boulevard. The class will also explore Humoresque, a sweeping film of classical music and doomed romance, which gave the music world Waxman’s famous Carmen Fantasy. Along the way, there will be detailed discussions of film-scoring techniques, orchestration, motivic development, and the symbiotic relationship between music and story.
10 weeks
Wednesdays 5:30–7pm ET
February 12–April 23
Online Only
$510
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EVDOL 29 - A Survey of Vocal Literature from the 17-21st Centuries
Andrea Covais
This history based course is designed to survey the development, style and performance practice of Western solo vocal literature from the seventeenth century to the present. Emphasis in the Fall semester will be on the history and development of solo Italian Art Song as well as the repertoire of England and The United States. The Spring semester will focus on the history and development of German lieder and the French mélodie, with particular emphasis on style and poetry.
This class is open to singers who would like more understanding on the historical background and performance practice of their art song repertoire as well as non-singers would like to gain a deeper appreciation of solo vocal literature and its artistic development. Listening, analysis and reading will be recommended each week. This is a music history class and no performance is required. The ability to read music is a benefit but is not required.
8 weeks
Mondays 7:30–9:30pm ET
October 28–December 16
Online Only
$544
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EVDOL 30 - Opera This Season
Scott Eyerly
Designed for both newcomers and enthusiasts, this course explores the delights of a great art form from contrasting angles. The works surveyed span classic and modern masterpieces, including two deservedly called “unique”: Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, a powerful drama of justice which returns to the Met featuring superstar Lise Davidsen; and Dialogues des Carmélites, Poulenc’s only full-length opera, a story of sacrifice inspired by real events, which comes to Juilliard in a new production. Other operas, all to be performed at the Met, include Tchaikovksy’s haunting The Queen of Spades, which manage to mix romance, ghosts, and card-counting; Moby-Dick, Jake Heggie’s sweeping version of the Melville novel in its Met premiere; and Richard Strauss’ Salome, an opera once banned (for its sex and violence), now popular (for its sex and violence), set to receive a new Met production. After a brief look at the historical background for each opera, focus turns to the score and libretto itself: How does Tchaikovsky musicalize obsession, by way of short themes and repetition that track the protagonist’s madness? What are the dangers of adapting a household-name novel like Moby-Dick into a lyric drama? Why does Beethoven withhold a romantic duet until late in the final act – and why did he write four versions of the overture? Enhanced by recorded audio and visual excerpts, this lively course encourages novices and aficionados alike to think differently about opera.
All the works surveyed will be performed in New York City during the semester, allowing students, outside of class, to see them onstage.
13 weeks
Online Section
Tuesdays 5:30–7pm ET
January 28–April 29
In Person Section
Wednesdays 5:30–7pm ET
January 29–April 30
$663
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EVDOL 31 - Gene Kelly & The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Edward Barnes
This course explores the life and craft of this legendary dancer, singer, actor, director and choreographer and his role at the forefront of the golden age of Hollywood musicals (1945-60). From Gene Kelly’s early years in Pittsburgh to starring in Pal Joey on Broadway, the course charts his trajectory as he moves on to Hollywood and his long-term relationship with MGM’s famous Freed Unit, starring in, choreographing, and then directing some of the most iconic movie musicals of all time. Classes examine Kelly’s vision of American dance, his innovations in movie musicals, his work with collaborators such as Stanley Donen, and his constant demand for artistic excellence.
Biography: Edward Barnes (BM ‘79, MM ‘80, composition) is an award-winning composer-lyricist and/or producer of more than 50 works of opera, theater, radio shows, and recordings. His work has been seen around the world from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Opera Company of the Philippines and San Francisco Mime Troupe. He has been a resident artist at the Instituto Sacatar (Brazil), Ucross Foundation (Wyoming), and Fundación Valparaíso (Spain), and served as the executive director of Gotham Chamber Opera, producing director of MasterVoices, and managing director of American Lyric Theater. He has won Guggenheim and NEA fellowships and the Stephen Sondheim Award for the creation of innovative musical theater.
3 weeks
Sundays 4–6pm ET
March 23–April 6
In Person Only
$240
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EVDOL 33 - J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
Christopher Vassiliades
Embark on a profound musical journey with our detailed exploration of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, a masterpiece that stands as one of the pinnacles of Western classical music. This course offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of musical forms embedded within the Passion, including its intricate arias, complex contrapuntal choral sections, and soul-stirring chorales.
As we dissect these diverse musical languages, you’ll gain insights into Bach’s compositional genius and understand why the St. Matthew Passion is celebrated not only as a cornerstone of Bach’s illustrious oeuvre but also as one of the most significant musical compositions in history. The course will place the Passion within its historical context, illuminating the cultural and spiritual milieu of Bach’s time and how these influences are woven into the fabric of the music.
Through expert-led lectures, guided listening sessions, and engaging discussions, this course is designed to deepen your appreciation for Bach’s artistry and the enduring power of his music. Whether you are a seasoned musician, a devout music lover, or a newcomer to classical music, this exploration of the St. Matthew Passion will leave you moved and enriched by the beauty and complexity of Bach’s masterwork. Join us to uncover the historical and musical layers of one of the greatest achievements in the musical canon.
8 weeks
Wednesdays 5:30–7pm ET
February 19–April 16
In Person Only
$408
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EVDOL 34 - Compositional Through Lines From Beethoven to Bill Monroe
George Meyer
Explore the surprising connections between classical and nonclassical music in this innovative course designed to challenge conventional perceptions and deepen your understanding of musical composition. While the worlds of Beethoven’s symphonies and Bill Monroe’s bluegrass tunes may seem worlds apart, they share a common language of the same 12 notes used to create both “masterpieces” and “tunes.”
In this course, we’ll equip you with a practical toolkit to discern and appreciate the compositional techniques underlying seemingly disparate musical genres. Dive into an engaging comparison of piano sonatas by Beethoven with fiddle tunes by Monroe and Sam Bush, discovering the shared musical foundations and distinctive traits that define each style.
Special attention will be given to modern hybrids that blend classical and nonclassical elements, featuring works by innovators like Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile, and their collaborative projects such as the Goat Rodeo Sessions with Stuart Duncan and Yo-Yo Ma. Through a series of interactive lectures, listening sessions, and discussions, this course will open your ears to the nuanced interplay between different musical traditions and reveal the rich, continuous spectrum of music.
Join us on a captivating journey that transcends musical boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on what unites various musical forms and how they can be understood in relation to one another. Whether you’re a classical purist, a folk enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this course will enrich your musical experience and challenge the way you listen to and appreciate music.
6 weeks
Thursdays 5:30–7pm ET
February 11–March 25
In Person Only
$306
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EVDOL 35 - America’s Orchestral Music mid-century: Gershwin, Price, and Copland
Faye-Ellen Silverman
Dive into the rich history of American orchestral music in the 20th century, where composers broke away from European traditions to embrace the diverse sounds of America. This course features three iconic figures: George Gershwin, whose “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris” infused classical music with jazz elements; Florence Price, who incorporated Afro-American folk themes into her “Symphony No. 1,” making significant strides as the first African American woman recognized in symphonic music; and Aaron Copland, whose “Appalachian Spring” captures the spirit of America with its Shaker melodies.
Through concise lectures and engaging discussions, you’ll explore how these composers used their unique voices to reflect their American experiences and bring American music to the global stage. This course is perfect for anyone interested in understanding how American cultural influences shaped classical music, offering a deep appreciation of these composers’ contributions to a distinctively American sound.
Join us to experience the transformation of American music through the works of Gershwin, Price, and Copland—a journey of innovation and cultural expression.
8 weeks
Wednesdays 5:30–7pm ET
February 19–April 16
In Person Only
$408
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EVDOL 36 - African-American Music History
Damien Sneed
The course will examine a variety of musical genres beginning with the music of West Africa and moving to Plantations songs (spirituals, work songs), Ethiopian Minstrelsy, music of the Mississippi Delta, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues and Art Music. Such figures as Master Juba, Francis Johnson, Richard Allen, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, Robert Johnson, Ma Rainey, Thomas A. Dorsey, Marian Anderson, William Grant Still, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Jay-Z and others will be discussed. All of these individuals helped to shape and define music of the African-American Diaspora. This course will also explore the global impact and rich diversity of African-American musical expression. By taking a thematic approach, students will see how African-American music has both shaped and been shaped by the social contexts in which it is created and performed. Readings and discussions will encompass African American music from spirituals and work songs to bebop and hip hop, from Duke Ellington to N.W.A., from Bessie Smith to Stevie Wonder, from James Reese Europe to Bob Marley, all of which will help us explore the rich set of meanings black music has held in the Americas for over four hundred years.
Biography: As a multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist, Damien Sneed is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and arts educator whose work spans multiple genres. He has worked with jazz, classical, pop, and R&B legends, including the late Aretha Franklin and Jessye Norman, which he is featured on Norman’s final recording, Bound For The Promised Land on Albany Records. He also worked with Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ashford & Simpson, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Brandie Inez Sutton and many others. Sneed has served as music director for Grammy Award-winning gospel artists The Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell, among others. Sneed is a 2020 Dove Award winner and 2021 NAACP Image Award winner for his work as a featured producer and writer on the Clark Sisters’ newest project, “The Return”, released on March 13, 2020. damiensneed.com
8 weeks
Tuesdays 6–7:30pm ET
February 4–April 8
Online Only
$408
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EVDOL 37 - Western Piano Miniatures’ Influence on Russian Composers
Konstantin Soukhovetski
Dive into the intricate world of piano miniatures from France, Germany, and Russia in this engaging course. Explore the distinct styles and emotional depths of these regions, enriched by live performances from our expert instructor. Each session delves into the elegant French miniatures known for their lyrical melodies, the profound German pieces capturing deep emotions, and the vibrant Russian works infused with nationalistic fervor.
Accompanied by historical insights and biographical sketches of key composers, this course offers a unique opportunity to experience the powerful impact of piano miniatures firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or new to classical music, join us to explore the rich musical traditions of these countries and enhance your appreciation of their lasting artistic contributions.
6 weeks
Tuesdays 6–8pm ET
February 11–March 25
Online Only
$408
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EVDOL 38 - The Many Minimal Ways: Exploring Musical Minimalism
Sam Nester
Step into the mesmerizing world of musical minimalism and uncover the profound shifts it catalyzed in the landscape of 20th-century music. This immersive course invites you to explore the rhythmic intricacies and hypnotic patterns that define this revolutionary style, pioneered by iconic figures like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, La Monte Young, and Terry Riley. Known as the “American Four,” these composers reimagined musical boundaries through minimalistic methods, creating expansive soundscapes with limited material.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Delve deeper into the minimalist movement with influential artists like Yoko Ono, Brian Eno, Pauline Oliveros, and Arvo Pärt. Their pioneering contributions have continued to resonate, influencing a wide array of genres and modern artists. Through engaging lectures, listening sessions, and discussions, this course will demonstrate how minimalist principles have permeated diverse artistic practices, influencing everything from contemporary classical compositions to ambient music and sound art.
Join us to discover how minimalism’s subtle complexities and repetitive motifs have not only reshaped musical composition but also continue to inspire and challenge our perceptions of sound and space today. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a seasoned composer, or a curious newcomer, this course will enrich your understanding of one of the most influential movements in contemporary music.
5 weeks
Thursdays 6–8pm ET
April 1–29
In Person Only
$340
History & Appreciation: Theater
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EVDOL 39 - Theater This Season
Shana Komitee
Designed for novices and afficionados alike, this course explores a mix of the most exciting theater happening in New York in Fall 2024 - revivals and premieres, straight plays and musicals, on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Each week, students will analyze a given production’s source texts, enjoy spirited lectures and discussions about its history and creators, and encounter video and audio footage and guest artist visits (recorded and live) that reveal a work’s deeper dimensions.
The plays/musicals surveyed include, but are not limited to: Our Town (the beloved American classic, now reborn under acclaimed director Kenny Leon); The Outsiders (2024 Tony Award for Best Musical), Yellow Face (the highly-anticipated Broadway premiere of David Henry Hwang’s semi-autobiographical comedic stunner about race); Gypsy (starring the unmissable Audra McDonald); Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) (The TEAM’s genre-defying largest writing project to date, at BAM); Suffs (Shaina Taub’s political powerhouse, especially timely this election year); McNEAL (a meditation on the power of AI by the Pulitzer-winning visionary Ayad Akhtar); Gatz (Elevator Repair Service’s final NYC encore presentation of their legendary riff on Fitzgerald’s masterpiece); Our Class (an astonishing new look at Tadeusz Slobodzianek’s famous study of a 1940s Polish village); Bad Kreyol (the newest from theatrical heavyweight Dominique Morisseau); and many more.
Additionally, students who register for the class will be eligible to receive one complimentary ticket to the opening production of the Juilliard Drama Division 2024-2025 Season (title TBD), subject to availability. Whether you’re a longtime NYC theater goer, or newly inspired to delve into our rich local scene, come explore the magic by which an unforgettable theater event - and whole season - comes into being.
Biography: Shana Komitee has been a Juilliard faculty member since 2012. She teaches Vibrant Legacies in Theater, covering influential movements and artists in the U.S. and globally, and serves as dramaturg on Drama Division productions. Komitee is the author of the Harvard Writing Project’s A Student’s Guide to Performance Studies, essays for the Juilliard Global Ventures episode on Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, and dozens of program notes and director interviews for Juilliard mainstage productions. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and pursued an interdisciplinary MA/PhD at Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and Performance Studies. At Harvard, she was a multi-year recipient of the university’s top teaching fellowship prize. A former New York City Urban Fellow, Komitee has also taught at Columbia University, Bard Prison Initiative, and Juilliard Extension (since 2013), and in numerous adult education programs in Boston and San Francisco. She has provided dramaturgy at theaters and museums throughout the United States, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Frick Art Museum, WP Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Signature Theatre, and the American Repertory Theatre.
10 weeks
Tuesdays 6:30–8pm ET
February 11–April 22
In Person Only
$510
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