The Beatles at the Height of Their Experimental Genius

The Beatles at the Height of Their Experimental Genius

Stephen Schultz
Monday, Jun. 2, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Monday until Monday, Jun. 16, 2025
Price: $130.00
93 slots available
A tinted photo of the famous crosswalk the Beatles strode across on a record album

Take a deep dive into the songs that expanded the possibilities of pop music. In week one of this course, we'll explore the creative experimental explosion of side one of Revolver and “Tomorrow Never Knows.”  Week two will feature three important singles, “Rain,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “Penny Lane,” that chart a path toward the iconic album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Week three will explore the transcendent medley that comprises side two of Abbey Road as well as the influence of classical music on the band.


Faculty Bio

Stephen Schultz plays solo and principal flute with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Musica Angelica and performs with other leading Early music groups. He is Teaching Professor Emeritus of Music History at Carnegie Mellon.


This is an In-Person + Livestreamed Course

  • Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
  • Classes will also stream live simultaneously
  • You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Monday, June 2, and ends on Monday, June 16
  • Classes meet for 3 weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
  • Course materials will remain available to view and enjoy through Aug. 31

Member Praise for Stephen Schultz

As a true beginner I was delighted that Schultz made everything understandable and relatable. His lectures were wonderful, full of interesting biographical details about the composers that helped me visualize the work being played. 

Great music accompanied by wonderful history and commentary.


Faculty Q&A