Class Description
Do you like movies? Do you like music? Then, join us as we explore the evolution of music in film, tracing its exciting journey from the silent film era to contemporary cinema. Through lectures and multimedia, we’ll examine how music has enhanced storytelling, evoked emotions, and developed characters throughout film history. Key topics include the role of live orchestras, pipe organs, and pianos in silent films. We'll explore the advent of synchronized sound, the development of film scores, the composers who created them, including John Williams and Hans Zimmer, and the use of popular music in modern movies.
In addition, through analysis of iconic movie scenes and scores, we will better understand the techniques composers and directors use to integrate music into film narratives. The course will also delve into the cultural and technological shifts that have influenced the use of music in movies, including the impact of digital technology and changes in audience expectations.
This course is ideal for students interested in film, music, or cultural history, and it aims to deepen the appreciation of the intricate relationship between music and cinema.
Glenn Derringer began his musical career at the age of 9 appearing on the Jackie Gleason Show, Perry Como, and as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. After graduation from Temple University he held executive positions with Wurlitzer, Baldwin, Gibson Guitar, and has taught music for more than 50 years.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
- Instructor-Distributed Materials
A Brief Syllabus
- Introduction, The Silent Film Era: 1895-1929
- Breaking the Sound Barrier, The Golden Age of Sound: 1929-1943, Screen Musicals
- Animations, Composers of Note in The Golden Age
- The Early 40s, Imports, Late 40s and 50s
- The End of The Golden Age of Movies
- Transitioning to a New Age
Cost and Registration
6 sessions, $245 ($220 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($245), Community Supported ($230), and Sponsor ($260). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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