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George Gershwin: An American Original


Register for this Summer 2023 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website.
George Gershwin was one of a kind: composer, pianist, conductor, influencer, and crossover artist before that term was invented. By penning such masterpieces as Rhapsody in Blue, American in Paris and Porgy and Bess , Gershwin embedded himself in American culture. We will survey his exceptional career, from Swanee to Shall We Dance; from his roots on the Lower East Side to Tin Pan Alley to Broadway and Hollywood. We will also chronicle a circle of luminaries such as his brother Ira, Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, Oscar Levant, Arnold Schoenberg, Paulette Goddard, and Paul Whiteman. We will explore the elements of jazz, blues, folk, Yiddish theater, pop and classical music that melded into a brand that is beloved throughout the world today. Summer 2023 tuition is $799.

More details

You'll Walk Away with

  • Familiarity with George Gershwin’s legendary compositions
  • An understanding of the different musical styles that influenced Gershwin
  • Knowledge about Gershwin’s musical contemporaries who together with Gershwin defined early 20th century music

Ideal for

  • Music lovers
  • The curious and creative
NO open sections available for this course at the moment. Please check back next semester.