A Question About Telemann

Telemann

We love to receive questions from our students. Here’s one that we just received: I am an eighth grader and pianist. I am studying your “300 Years” course. Why is Telemann not in the Lutheran hymnal, despite his family’s ties with the Lutheran church? What … Read more

Who’s the Best Composer?

I get asked this a lot. Perhaps you do too. I always wonder, is it a trick question? Maybe the questioner loves Bach and hopes I’ll agree. Maybe the hope is that I’ll say “Beethoven” and a good debate can ensue. There is no best … Read more

Keep Those Cards and Letters Coming

What’s my favorite part of being Professor Carol? It’s lovely to hear from the kids, of course. But that happens most often when there’s a discovery that thrills the student, such as a 13-year old who realized she could take her newly achieved ability to … Read more

Advent Calendar in 2014

A reader asks: Will you still be sending out your advent calendar this year? I would like to receive it again if possible. Thanks.  Absolutely, yes. Advent starts on November 30 this year, and my Advent Calendar will include essays for each day leading up to … Read more

What’s Wrong with Composer Biographies?

What do you expect in a Music History course? Perhaps you don’t have any particular expectation, but it’s something that I think about a lot. When I meet people who say they are studying music history, I ask what they mean by that. Usually, they … Read more

Comparing American History Courses

A reader asked me to compare our 2011 Exploring America’s Musical Heritage program (2 DVDs) with the on-line course America’s Artistic Legacy. In terms of chronological scope, both programs cover approximately the same time period: 1600 to c. 1950. Beyond that, they are quite different … Read more