In this music history lecture course, award-winning singer-songwriter Rob Lutes leads a curated chronological tour through the major movements in American and Canadian popular music, from its earliest iterations in the folk and patriotic music of the 18th and early 19th centuries, through the rise of minstrelsy and parlour music, the birth of genres like blues, ragtime, jazz, and country, to the flowering of Tin Pan Alley and the arrival of rock and roll. Examining the unique evolution of American and Canadian music over time, and focusing on songs that have endured in the public consciousness, we will ask: What elements of culture have contributed to the unique arc of popular music over two-and-a-half centuries? Why have these particular works continued to be known? In addition to lectures, the instructor will perform each song discussed on guitar or banjo and vocals, allowing for a direct experience of the works. The group will also listen to recordings to illustrate changes in recording technology and song interpretation. Â
New Participant: $225.00
Returning Participant: $225.00
Day:Â Wednesdays
Time:Â 6:15 to 8:15 PM
Location:Â 3405 Atwater, Montreal
Instructor: Rob Lutes
First session:Â September 17 2025
Course length:Â 12 weeks
Degree credit: 0Â credits
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the instructor: A masterful fingerstyle guitarist with an unmistakable, soulful voice, Rob Lutes has steadily built a collection of moving, melodic songs that inhabit the intersection of blues, folk and Americana. His eighth solo album, Come Around, was released in April 2021 and garnered four 2022 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations – winning the award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. His project Sussex released its third album, Shine, in September 2024. Rob has given music history and songwriting workshops in schools and to community groups since 2003. He is a member of Quebec's Cultural Education Repertoire and Heritage Canada's Artist's Inspire roster. He has taught in the Festival Blues-sur-Seine’s (France) internationally recognized education initiative as well as the Ottawa Bluesfest Blues in Schools program.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
To register by phone, call (514) 935-9585.
Refund Policy
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