Discovering String Quartets



Overview

Composers such as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven developed the string quartet to become the vehicle for some of their profoundest creations as well as an occasional medium for musical wit and sophisticated entertainment.

This course will examine the history of the string quartet from its origins to the present day. No specialist musical knowledge is required – just an interest in listening to music and finding out more about it.

Composers whose string quartets will be discussed include: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Smetana, Borodin, Brahms, Dvořák, Debussy, Ravel, Schoenberg, Bartók and as many more as time allows.

Programme details

Courses starts: 23 Apr 2026

Week 1: The early string quartet: Mozart and Haydn

Week 2: Beethoven and the String Quartet

Week 3: The Early Romantic String Quartet: Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann

Week 4: The Later Romantic String Quartet: Brahms, Smetana, Borodin, Dvořák

Week 5: The String Quartet in the Twentieth Century and beyond.

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Peter Copley

Peter Copley D.Phil, MA, B.mus is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a visiting lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has been a Research Associate for the music faculty.

Course aims

To trace the development of the string quartet from its origins to the present day.

Course objectives: 

  • To explore the unique character of the string quartet as it developed over time
  • Understanding specific contributions made by individual composers and their influence on later composers.
  • Understanding the social history of the string quartet, tracing its gradual transition from private performance to the concert hall and the recording studio.

Teaching methods

  • Listening to musical examples, both pre-recorded and live.
  • Mini lectures introducing the music to be played.
  • Class discussions following the musical examples.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

  • A basic overview of the history of the string quartet
  • An understanding of its unique characteristics.
  • A broad experience of listening to musical examples by a cross-section of composers who made significant contributions to the genre.

 

 

Assessment methods

This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

No specialist musical knowledge is required for full participation. All that is necessary is an interest in listening to music and finding out more about it.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support