Classes at the Archie K Davis Center Directions>
Music History
Classes for all ages by Christopher Ogburn, PhD, the Director of the Moravian Music Foundation. Read more…
Everyone is welcome! Comenius Music classes are free; donations accepted.
ONLINE classes are LIVE but do NOT have an in-person option.
IN-PERSON Class
Country Music: A History
Thursdays at 1:00pm (EST).
Archie K Davis Center
Feb. 13 – May 29
14 Classes
Country Music: A History
In honor of the George Hamilton IV Collection here at the MMF, we will be exploring the history of one of America’s great cultural treasures. Come join us as we delve into the lives and songs of American country music from its origins up to today.
2/13: The Birth of Country
2/20: The Big Bang
2/27: Next Phase
3/6: Honky-Tonk
3/13: Bluegrass
3/20: Rockabilly
3/27: Nashville Sound
4/3: California
4/10: Traditionalists
4/17: OFF
4/24: OFF
5/1: Outlaw
5/8: Countrypolitan
5/15: Neo-Traditionalists
5/22: Commercial Country
5/29: 21st Century
When: Thursdays (1:00pm)
16 weeks; 14 classes
Where: Archie K. Davis Center, 457 S Church St. Winston-Salem, NC
ONLINE Class
Baroque Period
Mondays at noon (EST).
Come spend your lunchtime learning about music!
March 3 – 24
4 Classes
History of Western Music; Baroque
For this course, we will be examining the music of the Baroque era. At one point derided for its excess and bombast, this period gave us the music of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. In addition to learning about some of the important composers of this era, we will also be exploring the birth of opera, the rise of instrumental music, and new ideas concerning the power of music and its ability to express emotions.
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.
Music Theory & Composition
Music Theory: An Introduction to Triads and Seventh Chords
4 Classes
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the AKD Center (Winston-Salem, NC)
IN-PERSON
In this course, we will examine the triad: what it is, how it is constructed, and what is its purpose. If you have ever wondered why certain notes sound nice together and others do not, what major or minor refers to, or what people mean when they talk about “harmony” then this course is for you. NOTE: This class is a continuation of the Music Theory 101 course taught in Fall 2024; however, you do not need to have attended that class to participate in this one. You should be able to read music but otherwise do not need any additional theory background.
Classes:
2/18 ; 2/25 ; 3/4 ; 3/11
As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.
Feb. 18 – March 11, 2025
Music Theory: An Introduction to Chord Progressions
4 Classes
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the AKD Center (Winston-Salem, NC)
IN-PERSON
In this course, we will explore how chords follow one another. This is a crucial step in the process of learning how composers construct their music, while also preparing us for writing our own compositions. While you do not need to have taken any of our previous theory courses to attend, you should be able to read music and have familiarity with triads, major and minor scales, and roman numeral analysis.
Classes:
3/25 ; 4/1 ; 4/8 ; 4/15
As always, Comenius Music Academy courses are FREE and open to all.
March 25 – April 15, 2025
Classes in Bethlehem or Online
Classes for all ages by Kyle Johnston, Associate Director, Bethlehem Office
Free; Everyone is welcome!
Please sign up, to inform our planning.
Music Notation Software
ONLINE
March 21, 2025
12:00pm
In this workshop we will be taking a look at current music publishing software, how they work, and what types of projects can be done with them. We will also practice using publishing software to transcribe a piece of music. Laptops are encouraged, as well as a version of one of the following software: Finale, Sibelius, and Dorico each have free versions. MuseScore is completely open-source and free. Lilypond is also free, but is a coded software, not visual, and is not recommended for people just starting in music publishing. Registration is required.
Please Sign Up below
Free; registration required.
Hymnology: The Hymnal as a Worship Resource
ONLINE
April 11, 2025
12:00pm
The early Moravians played an important role in the development of American hymnody. In this introductory course, we will cover the basics of early American hymnody (and a little European hymnody); discuss the three major parts of a hymn, how hymns are structured, and how a hymnal can be an invaluable resource for any music program. Registration is required.
Please Sign Up below
Free; registration required
Introduction to Hymnwriting
ONLINE
May 9, 2025
12:00pm
Moravians published the first hymnals and have been writing hymns in countless languages for centuries. This course will introduce the class to basic elements you need to consider as you write your text or music. Registration is required.
Please Sign Up below
Free, registration required.
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
Leave a Reply