Amy D. Rubin

We’ll listen to Amy’s piano performance of music by Gershwin, Joplin and others and understand why these magical rhythms make us want to dance.

We’ll learn about Gershwin’s love of jazz, his origins in tin pan Alley, his critical success of Rhapsody and Blue but failure of Porgy and Bess; we’ll hear Amy perform and discuss some of his most beloved pieces.

We’ll learn about Hildegarde of Bingen, Clara Schumann and
other women from times past and present who were able to balance societal expectations with the demands of being a creative artist; Amy will perform their little known, but inspiring music.

We’ll learn about the composers tools of the trade, find out how they make choices, hear stories about the struggles of Mozart, Beethoven and others and watch while Amy composes something based on audience suggestions; finally, we’ll collaborate with Amy to create and perform something new.

We’ll discover how Bernstein used familiar rhythms and dances of the day to create music which tells the story of Romeo and Juliet set in NYC in the 1950s; we’ll hear Amy’s performances of some of the most beloved songs from this classic.

We’ll discover the different ways that composers use traditional songs and dances as the basis of concert works. This will include Amy at the piano featuring music byVilla -Lobos, Gismonti, Copland and others.

We’ll learn about the history of tango, the dance of seduction and we’ll hear Amy’s own arrangements of the romantic and pulsating music of Piazzolla.

Fun and interactive musical games led by Amy at the piano to
explain and explore the elements of music.

We’ll watch the films Amy made during her time in Ghana as a Fulbright Scholar and learn about the role that music plays in West African life.

Amy will explore the spicy music of Hermeto Pascoal, Egberto Gismonti, and Guinga and others and show us the secrets behind their fascinating rhythms and unique harmonies with live
piano performance.

We’ll watch segments of some of our favorite movies such as “Psycho”,”Jaws” and “The Titanic” and learn how music can create drama and stimulate emotions.

We’ll listen toAmy’s piano performance of traditional Brazilian music and watch video footage of a variety of musical ensembles.

An introduction to the scintillating sounds of calypso, reggae, merengue, salsa, and more.

Trace the voyage of songs, dances, and rituals from West Africa to the New World.

An introduction to music from the classical world inspired by Caribbean rhythms and melodies.

Join in as we mix together Caribbean poetry and music to make our own collaborative pieces.