The Music Hall’s School of Lifelong Learning
Welcome to the School of Lifelong Learning!
Here you can major in a wide range of disciplines ranging from literature to film, socializing to opera. Find out more about our classes and professors in our “course descriptions.”
English 200: Book Club
Prof. Dawn Heffron
Featuring the top books of the season, this club acts as a Recommended Reading list for everyone who wants to read great books and discuss them with fellow bibliophiles. Dawn Heffron, the group’s moderator, says “I couldn’t have chosen a more insightful, erudite group of people! They enjoy reading as much as I do and they are forthright in sharing their contributions about the book selections, which makes for interesting and thought-provoking discussions.”
Book Club is a benefit for Music Hall members at the Contributor-level and above, and meets on the second Monday of the month in the lounge at Portwalk Place from 6-7:30pm. Evenings include time for socializing followed by a moderated discussion.
Upcoming Book Club events:
All My Puny Sorrows • Monday, Nov., 19 • 6pm • Aria Lounge at Portwalk
Music 400: Opera Connection
Prof. Dennis Neil Kleinman
Opera expert/writer-producer Dennis Neil Kleinman leads lively discussions before select The Met at The Music Hall events so you can be well prepared and enjoy the broadcasts even more. “Opera, above all else, is about great storytelling,” says Dennis, who always entertains and enlightens audiences with his own stories that connect the dots between opera, history, and modern culture. Dennis’s discussions are engaging and jargon-free, making them the perfect way to enhance and enrich your enjoyment of these magnificent works, plus these events include coffee and pastries!
Opera Connection happens four times a season. If you don’t get opera, or if you want to get it on a whole new level, come join your fellow opera lovers in the Loft before the show.
Upcoming Opera Connection events:
La Fanciulla del West • Sunday, Oct. 28 • 11:30am • Loft
Adriana Lecouvreur • Saturday, Jan. 12 • 11:30am • Loft
La Fille du Régiment • Saturday, March 2 • 11:30am • Loft
Die Walküre • Saturday, March 30 • 10:30am • Loft
Communication 300: Director’s Club
Prof. Gail VanHoy Carolan
If you like discovering the Seacoast area’s finest establishments or making new friends, join the Director’s Club. Open to Patron-level members and above, the Director’s Club offers members the opportunity to come together and socialize at exciting events and the newest hot spots on the Seacoast. Mingle with other members and sponsors at fun-filled gatherings all year long. Be in the know, try something new, and make new friends.
Upcoming Director’s Club events:
La Maison Navarre • Wednesday, October 17 • 5:30pm
Tuscan Kitchen • Thursday, November 15 • 5:30pm
Film 101: Show and Tell
Prof. Paul Goodwin
Join us after select films and be part of an informed discussion as professional film enthusiast Paul Goodwin puts the “talk” in talkies. Paul encourages audiences to speak their minds as they hear all about the movies, their backgrounds, and even trivia and the latest gossip about the stars. These gatherings are free to the public after the end credits roll. Complimentary coffee, courtesy of Carpe Diem!
Show & Tell happens on select Tuesdays, so check out our monthly magazine or our website for dates and times!
Film 200: Film Club
Prof. Kent Stephens
Explore the best directors, actors, and genres with other film buffs and a knowledgeable host. Each season features six movies around a theme. We’re in the middle of our current series: Great Westerns! This genre spans the globe, and includes some of the best directors in the industry. With cinema aficionado Kent Stephens at the helm, you can discuss the intricacies and controversies of this defining genre.
Upcoming Film Club events:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly • Tuesday, Oct. 23 • 6:30pm • Loft
Unforgiven • Tuesday, Nov. 13 • 7pm • Loft
McCabe & Mrs. Miller • Tuesday, Dec. 18 • 7pm • Loft