Assistant Professor of Music, Piano Literature
3 Learning Experiences
Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata
What You'll Learn
- Identify specific historical time periods in which the popularity of sonatas increases or decreases and the reasons behind these trends
- Recognize the most influential pieces in the sonata repertoire
- Identify sonata form
3-Course Series
35 hours
12 hours per course (approx.)
Shareable Certificate
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About Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata
In this 3-course specialization, learners will analyze important passages and components of the piano sonata repertoire, while gaining a solid knowledge of the sonata’s inner workings and a better sense of historical developments in the genre. Across the series, learners will dive into compositions by Scarlatti, CPE Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, Medtner, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, and others.
These courses were filmed at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, among other locations, to showcase the depth of the sonata repertoire and the instruments that contributed to its history.
Skills You'll Gain
- Music History
- Music Theory
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Intermediate Level
Serious pianists and musicians earning degrees should have this level of competence. Inquisitive hobbyists will want to converse in this detail.
Series Video
3 Courses in this series
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Free U-M Access CourseThe Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart
Discover the origins of the piano sonata and its evolution from Baroque to Classical through works by Mozart and earlier composers.
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Free U-M Access CourseThe Piano Sonata: Beethoven and the Romantics
Explore how Beethoven and Romantic-era composers redefined the piano sonata’s structure and emotional depth.
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Free U-M Access CourseThe Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers
Study how 20th-century and Russian composers expanded and transformed the piano sonata genre.
What Learners Are Saying
This course series offers a unique opportunity for music lovers who want to gain a better understanding of piano sonata literature and for music students who want to refine their knowledge. All learners will have an opportunity to study music from many different angles…
Matthew Bengtson Assistant Professor of Music, Piano Literature
This course series offers a unique opportunity for music lovers who want to gain a better understanding of piano sonata literature and for music students who want to refine their knowledge. All learners will have an opportunity to study music from many different angles…
Matthew Bengtson, DMA Assistant Professor of Music, Piano Literature
