Current Class Offerings
(details and sign-up links, below)
Sept 3 – Nov 19 – Faith-Singing Through Moravian History (Darla Earnest)
Nov 21 – Hymn-Writing Masterclass (Kyle Johnston)
Hymns Wanted!
Please share your hymns with the class. All submissions will be anonymous. See the link below.
Classes / Sessions / Workshops
Classes by Kyle Johnston
ONLINE
Hymn-writing Masterclass
ONLINE
Nov. 21, 2025
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Last Spring, in our Hymn-writing class, we worked on developing our philosophy of hymn-writing. In keeping with this Fall’s theme of composition, this Masterclass will seek community submissions of newly written texts, tunes, harmonized chorales, and other settings of congregational music. We will perform a blind critique (not revealing the name of the author/composer) to see the areas where each submission could use some work, and where each submission excels.
Please Sign Up below
Free, registration required.
How to Use Music Notation Software (MuseScore Tutorial)
ONLINE
Completed
To many, the world of music composition and publishing may seem intimidating and inaccessible. This class seeks to be a gateway into the world of digital music notation. MuseScore is a free, open-source, and user-friendly software that can compete with some of the leading notation software on the market, but without the cost. If you are a hobbyist, are seeking to transcribe your written music, find a place to publish your compositions, or simply want to learn the ins and outs of notation software, this class is for you. Visit Musescore.org for information on how to download.
Please Sign Up below
Free; registration required.
Realizing Figured Bass
ONLINE
Completed
In many Baroque and early-Classical era tunebooks, such as Christian Gregor’s 1784 Choralbuch, harmonizations were not written out as they are in modern day hymnals. Instead, they used what is called “Figured Bass” which allowed musicians (especially organists) to be able to harmonize music, while only looking at a melody and bass line. In this class, we will go over figured bass notation, what it means, and how to realize it with written music. A general foundation of music theory is recommended for this class.
Please Sign Up below
Free; registration required.
Faith-Singing Through Moravian History
Curriculum for Adults
One session per week for 12 weeks.
Wednesdays, Sept. 3-Nov. 19 / 12:00pm
Hybrid:
In-Person, Winston-Salem, NC
OR
Online via Zoom
In-Person Music Theory & History
Classes for all ages by Christopher Ogburn, PhD, Executive Director and Staff Musicologist of the Moravian Music Foundation
Everyone is welcome!
As always, Comenius Music classes are free; donations will be accepted.
In-Person classes do NOT have a remote option, but may be offered online at a later time.
Deep Dive
Haydn String Quartet
Exploring the Collections of MMF
Completed
Joseph Haydn
String Quartet, op. 77, No. 1
(Salem Collegium Musicum Collection)
When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
3 weeks; 3 classes
For our “Deep Dive” courses, we will be examining a piece of music found within the collections of the Moravian Music Foundation. Over several weeks, we will explore the life of the composer and the world in which the piece was written, while also getting an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with a work that makes up a part of the story of Moravian music.
Sept 4 – Vienna in the Classical Period
Sept 11 – Haydn’s Life
Sept 18 – opus 77 and the String Quartet
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC
Please Sign Up below
In-Person Class
Music Theory:
Introduction to
Form & Analysis
Completed
Music is an art in which sounds unfold over time. In this course, we will begin to look more deeply at the underlying structures on which music is built and how composers have used different techniques to create a sense of coherence. You do not need to have taken any previous theory courses; however, you should be able to read music to get the most out of the class. This will be the first part in a continuing series.
When: Tuesdays (1:00pm)
4 weeks; 4 classes
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC
Please Sign Up below
In-Person Class
Deep Dive
Schubert Mass No. 3
Exploring the Collections of MMF
Completed
Franz Schubert
Mass No. 3
(Salem Collection)
When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
3 weeks; 3 classes
For our “Deep Dive” courses, we will be examining a piece of music found within the collections of the Moravian Music Foundation. Over several weeks, we will explore the life of the composer and the world in which the piece was written, while also getting an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with a work that makes up a part of the story of Moravian music.
Oct 9 – Schubert’s Life
Oct 16 – a History of the Mass
Oct 23 – Schubert’s Mass No. 3
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC
Please Sign Up below
In-Person Class
Generous Support for MMF Education
is provided by
Mark & Heather Johnson
Jan Amos Comenius
John Amos Comenius (1592–1670) was a Czech educational reformer and religious leader connected to the Unitas Fratrum (considered the spiritual ancestors of the Moravian Church). Known as the father of modern education, he is remembered today for his innovative teaching methods as well as his passionate advocacy for universal education. The Comenius Music Academy pays homage to the legacy of learning in the Moravian Church and the championing of education for all.
Classes at the Archie K Davis Center
Who organizes programming for the Winston Salem branch of your group? I would love to connect with that person to discuss an idea.
MMF programming is led by Chris Ogburn christopher@moravianmusic.org You may send him an inquiry. Thank you.