To improve your skill at conveying emotion in your music.
Why have I never heard of musical rhetoric? Is this some crackpot thing?
It isn’t taught anymore. If you were a musician in Western Baroque culture, though, it would be your bread and butter, and you might have even studied rhetoric in grade school.
Is musical rhetoric why groups like Apollo’s Fire and Les Arts Florissants sound so… powerful?
Yes! They’re not just talented — they’re making specific musical choices and using specific tools. If they can do it, you can do it.
Can I use musical rhetoric in repertories besides Baroque music?
Absolutely. It’s right at home in swing, video game score, and Latin pop, just to name a few.
Are there books, articles, or videos that I can learn more about musical rhetoric from?
Yes, there are. Students of the Workshop receive a bibliography of these sorts of resources.
Is there one short article I can read right now, just to get started?
It doesn’t. The Musical Rhetoric Workshop is tuition-free.
Do I have to apply to the workshop?
For the 2022–2023 academic year, the Workshop requires no application! See the Join the Workshop page to get involved.
When does the workshop meet?
Once per academic year. See the daily schedule here.
Where does the workshop take place?
The 2022–2023 workshop will take place at the Ohio State University School of Music. Rooms are to be determined, and will likely be announced in December 2022.
What's the repertoire?
For the winter/spring 2023 Workshop, the repertoire is Carissimi's Jonah and the Whale. Carissimi was nicknamed "the musical orator" during his lifetime.
Does the workshop accept instrumentalists/singers?
In most seasons, the Musical Rhetoric Workshop is for vocalists, string players, and continuo players. The 2022–2023 repertoire is unusually vocal-heavy, and so this year’s Workshop cannot accept violin and viola players.
Does the workshop accept composers?
Though musical rhetoric is closely tied to composition (read more here), the workshop is built on performers’ participation. Composers may audit, attend all sessions, and participate in discussion!
Are there solo opportunities in the Musical Rhetoric Workshop?
Yes, particularly this year, as Carissimi's Jonah has relatively little ensemble music in it. Soloists are especially encouraged to be involved!
Will the workshop be recorded?
Yes. Recordings of your work will be available for your professional use.
Do I need to bring anything in particular to the workshop rehearsals?
Your instrument, a pencil and notebook, a folder or binder for handouts, and a water bottle.
I’m a continuo player. Do you have a portative organ/harpsichord I can use?
The Musical Rhetoric Workshop does not own its own instruments. Contact our director, though, and he will work with you to facilitate something!
Where and when is the Musical Rhetoric Workshop performance?
Monday, February 27th, 2023, at the Timashev Family Music Building of the School of Music at The Ohio State University. Room to be determined; check back in the winter!
Is the performance free? Do I need to reserve a seat?
The performance is open to the public, free of charge, and no reservations are required. Seating is first-come, first-serve.
Will the performance be broadcast?
No, a broadcast is not possible this year.
May I purchase a recording of the Musical Rhetoric Workshop performance?
There aren’t any current plans to press recordings, but it is likely they will be available in future years.
