Glorious Gershwin
1 day, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
One of the few composers who successfully blended the jazz and the classical traditions, George Gershwin left a music legacy that ranges from the popular song to the classical concerto. From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway to Hollywood, from Rhapsody in Blue to An American in Paris, from Shall We Dance to Porgy and Bess, and a string of memorable songs as well... Join us as we discover the life and music of the American genius who tried to ‘make a lady out of jazz’.
Course Outline
Session 1
- What do we think of when we think of Gershwin?
- Gershwin’s Musical Style
- Social and Historical Background
- The Musical Landscape in Gershwin's Time
- Gershwin’s Musical Style
Session 2
- The Early Years
- Tin Pan Alley
- Broadway Revues
- Blue Monday
- Rhapsody in Blue
Session 3
- Writing musicals
- Stike Up the Band
- The Preludes for Piano
- An American in Paris
Session 4
- Gershwin and women
- Of Thee I Sing
- Porgy and Bess
- Gershwin in Hollywood
- Shall We Dance
- Gershwin’s last years
About Susan Deas
Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching music appreciation courses for more than twenty years, through Sydney University's Centre for Continuing Education, WEA Sydney and at other venues. Her training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan teaches piano and music theory to adults and children, and plays piano and organ at various venues around Sydney. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.
More about Susan's qualifications