From academic courses to customized events (private or corporate)
Here’s what some my Stanford University Continuing Studies students have said over the years:
"The instructor was AMAZING and KNOWLEDGABLE."
"The amount of archival material presented at each class was amazing.. and wonderful. The music and stories came alive. I had taken a previous course with him. and it delivered exactly as expected. An amazing deep dive into American musical theater."
Why Sondheim?
Musical theater is an immense and complex subject with a rich history. “Immense and complex” are apt descriptors for composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s body of work, as well as the spectacular collaborators with which he worked. Now lauded as one of the most important figures in 20th- century musical theater, Sondheim was a living link to the “Golden Age of Musical Theater” who simultaneously continued parts of that tradition while revolutionizing the genre’s possibilities. He is lionized as few in his discipline have ever been: there is a Sondheim Society, with a magazine; theaters and awards named after him; countless productions and recordings; books; his songs are a staple of cabaret, stage, and universities worldwide. Also, I really like his work.
"Joel is a fantastic professor and I would take anything he teaches. He makes the classes fun, interesting and shares insights and we couldn't get anywhere else."
Perspectives on Sondheim
Sondheim is usually taught from one of two distinct perspectives: as an historical overview, or as a practitioner’s “creative writing” class. The first focuses on biography and history – dates, people, and pieces, but rarely examines the actual content of his work and how the various elements function within a given musical. The latter eschews most history as it is really designed for those who want to make a career as writers of music theater.
"Joel Friedman is absolutely terrific. He is so knowledgeable about his subject and very easy to understand. What is so unique about his courses is his very clear explanations of the musical structure of Sondheim’s songs, which can’t be found elsewhere. Thank you very much for offering his music courses. Please continue to offer Joel’s courses in the future. Also, please offer a repeat of his first Sondheim course from 2021 as I know others who would want to see them."
Distinctly qualified
I do not believe the two approaches should be mutually exclusive. My experience as a practitioner, an active composer of concert music and musical theater, and as an experienced professor with a doctorate in composition from Columbia University uniquely positions me in developing an holistic approach to teaching Sondheim. After all Sondheim’s two most formative teacher/mentors were someone from musical theater, Oscar Hammerstein, and someone from the world of concert music, Milton Babbitt. He was one of the few who understood how to fashion a song into a “little play” while having the technique to develop musical ideas and structure like a concert music composer.
"Loved it. Would do another Sondheim class with Joel (I have done Four and Four More. Are there Another Four?). I have learned to appreciate Sondheim and love much of it. I was blown away by the class on Pacific Overtures."
What is unique to my courses:
In my courses I capture the important large-scale historical developments while also deconstructing these musicals from the perspective as an insider. I understand who is on the creative team and what their roles are, and what the artistic, logistical, and financial processes are behind creating a musical. I also understand how the various elements—score, book, lyrics, direction, choreography—function to tell and propel the narrative. My goal is to guide students, whether appreciative audience members or students of the discipline, by illuminating the inner workings of the genre so a richer understanding can be attained. Very few instructors do this. There is far more to writing a musical than creating a catchy tune or a fashioning a clever rhyme. We will dig into the music, the lyrics, the structure, the mechanics of what makes these musicals so fantastic and important, and why Sondheim deserves the praise and position in our culture. I tailor the analysis of the constituent parts to the level of interest and technical ability of the class, whether it’s a graduate seminar or general appreciation course. As always, I pride myself in making complex and unfamiliar concepts comprehensible and fun.
"MORE COURSES FROM JOEL!"
Concerned about music theory and other terminology?
Rest assured, I always introduce and demonstrate music and other concepts as needed in a comprehensive and comprehensible way. Those enrolled have ranged from curious novices to highly literate and experienced musicians. As necessary we take a moment to explain, we stop to dig deeper, depending upon class feedback.
