“On the one”—James Brown often defined funk as a groove, emphasizing the first beat, using the ‘one-two-three-four’ downbeat. However, as the Godfather of Soul would agree, funk encompasses more than just a rhythm: it’s about freedom, expression, and dance. If not for funk, disco would have never been born. How did the genre develop, and who were the central figures in the history of funk? This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will trace funk through its blues, jazz, soul, New Orleans, and R&B roots. The class will culminate in discussing, among other funk pioneers, three of the music’s most important figures: Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and George Clinton. The course includes multimedia presentations and class discussions.

This two-session virtual course taught by Mike Farragher provides attendees with an introduction to basic modes for telling the stories of their lives. Working in a supportive workshop setting, students will enjoy engaging, wide-ranging discussion about the joys and challenges of bringing their memories to life. Instructor: Mike Farragher, Monmouth University alumnus and author of numerous works of fiction and memoir.

Based on his acclaimed podcast, Producing the Beatles, Jason Kruppa explores the music of the Fab Four from the perspective of the one person whose point of view has never been properly and thoroughly examined: their producer, George Martin. Using innovative techniques to break down their recordings, we’ll discover how the Beatles went from learning their way around the studio to becoming masters of the art of recording, with their producer working side by side with them each step of the way. And finally, with re-recordings and detailed recreations of Martin’s orchestral scores that allow us to hear individual instrument parts,, we’ll learn how his arrangements enhanced and shaped the Beatles’ music.