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. 

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.

No specialist musical knowledge is required – just an interest in listening to music and finding out more about it.

Programme details

Courses starts Thursday 23 April 2026

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Thursdays, 4.30-6.30pm.

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. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

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 this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

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. See details of our 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

Teaching methods will include:

  • 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 been given the opportunity to gain:

  • 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 not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

Level and demands

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.

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

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support