Just as learning the theory behind how music creation works, exploring the history of music, including important composers, performers, trends, themes and the evolving influence of society on music, is key to understanding the genres of music that we perform, create, and consume today. Learning how the important composers approached their craft will ultimately help you develop as a creative, musical individual. Berkleemusic’s 3-course Specialist Certificate in Music History provides a solid primer on the origins and backgrounds of music, from the romantic period through the 20th century.

The program begins with Music History of the Western World. You will start at the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of opera, early symphony, and keyboard music, and then explore the emergence of the classical style and the works of Haydn, Mozart, Paradis, and Beethoven. The course then moves into the Romantic period and impressionism, including the works of Schubert, Berlioz, Chopin, Debussy, Fauré, and Boulanger. Finally atonality, the twelve-tone method, music in Latin America, electronic music, new textures, minimalism, and the works of Ravel, Webern, Clarke, Copland, and Cage will be explored with an overview of 20th century music. Through audio, video interviews, and interactive viewing and listening activities, you will experience the historical processes through which musical styles begin, grow, mature, and decline.

After covering the entire Western musical tradition, you will move into a more focused look at rock music in the Rock History course. In this media-rich course, you’ll discover the history of rock ‘n’ roll in more detail than you can imagine. You will learn about the musical and business trends in rock, major technological advancements, the prime innovators, and the historical context that has seen rock alternately flourish and struggle over the past 60 years. The course features exclusive video interviews with Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers, Mike Mills of R.E.M., George Clinton of mastermind of Parliament and Funkadelic, and many others.

While the first two courses provide a historical context and background for contemporary music, The Language of Film and TV covers another important part of that history: the rise of visual media. In this course, you’ll delve into the history of both mediums, and explore the crucial concepts about the language they both use to reach their audiences. The course begins with an overview of the origins of cinema, examining the role of narrative, acting, and sound, and how they evolved. You will also learn about documentary, experimental, and animated film, and examine how digital technology is changing film, television, and media today. By the end of the course, you’ll be well versed in the design and visual elements of film and television, and how both intersect with music.

By the end of this certificate program, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of many musical styles and genres, as well as visual media. The Specialist Certificate Music History will give you a sense of where Western music has been and how you can be part of where it’s going.