LifeLong Learning-San Marcos
A Proud Affiliate of the Aging Forward Alliance

Course Description

A composer takes us on a creative deep dive into the inner workings of modern classical music and its myriad possibilities of rhythm, harmony, and form. Elements of music that will be discussed include:

May 5—Time, Tempo, Periodicity

May 12—Tuning, Tonality, Symmetry

May 19—Texture, Timbre, Relativity

 

Presenter: Dr. Thomas Clark, Author of Mapping the Music Universe

Thomas began composing in 1964 and many of his 150 compositions have been performed at festivals throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and the Czech Republic. His works are affiliated with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and published by Borik Press and Centaur Records. Thomas has published articles on modern music and three books, including Learning to Compose, the landmark 1989 textbook he co-authored with Larry Austin (CLICK HERE for more information.)

 

Thomas’s academic career began with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Michigan in 1976, where he studied composition with Pulitzer Prize-winner Leslie Bassett. Since then, he has served as a composition professor, director and college dean at the University of North Texas and at four other universities. From 2008 to 2020, Thomas led the Texas State University School of Music to national prominence. CLICK HERE for information about his new book, Mapping the Music Universe.