Explore key movements that contributed to the explosive growth of country music as an industry and art form. Focusing on Nashville, California, and Texas, this course will take us on a regional, chronological, and musical journey through the eras and places that have made country music a huge part of 20th-century American culture. The final class will feature an overview of the country song and an in-depth musical analysis of why country music is so emotional.

Faculty Bio

Pete Elman is a musician, performer, composer, studio musician, and producer of 30 albums. He has created 14 different classes on popular music for OLLI.

This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course

• Classes will meet in person at The Freight at 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704
• Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be recorded
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Wednesday, Jan. 20, and ends on Wednesday, Mar. 3
• Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (1–3 p.m.)
• There is no class on Feb. 17
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through Mar. 28

Member Praise for Pete Elman

Another wonderful class from Pete! Once again, he added to my appreciation and understanding of the music and contributions from artists I already have enjoyed and admired for so long.

I gained so much appreciation for the musicians and their music than I expected to. Very, very enjoyable. I'll take any course Pete Elman offers.

Faculty Q&A

• Read an interview with Pete Elman from our archive.