Courses
The following courses, offered by Associate Professor Orit Wolf, are part of the Technion’s broader interdisciplinary vision of integrating the arts within a leading scientific and engineering environment. They are designed to expand the musical and aesthetic horizons of students whose primary studies lie in science and technology, offering a unique platform to experience music as both an intellectual discipline and a lived artistic practice. Each course is accompanied by live playing, transforming theoretical discussion into real performance and elevating learning into a multidimensional experience. Through this approach, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, strengthen their cultural literacy, and gain tools to listen analytically, connect works to their historical and social contexts, and cultivate a deeper understanding of classical music across styles, eras, and practices.
1. Introduction to Vocal Music (Course No. 03250025)
This course offers a journey through the history of vocal music, from the sacred chants of the Middle Ages to the grandeur of opera, the intimacy of the Romantic Lied, and the vibrancy of modern musicals. Students will examine how the human voice has conveyed drama, storytelling, and cultural meaning across different eras, while developing critical listening skills and a familiarity with essential concepts. Alongside milestone works, the course introduces the legendary singers of the last century, highlighting their unique artistry and influence. Open to all, no prior musical knowledge is required.
2. Introduction to Piano Giants (Course No. 324274)
Celebrated as both a solo and orchestral instrument, the piano has inspired an unparalleled body of repertoire. This course traces its evolution through masterpieces by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and others, reaching into modernism and jazz. Students will learn to recognize forms such as sonatas, nocturnes, and etudes, while discovering how stylistic shifts shaped the piano’s sound-world. The course also focuses on legendary pianists, exploring the ways their interpretations transformed traditions and left enduring legacies. Designed for all music lovers, the course requires no prior training and sharpens both listening and analytical skills through guided exploration.
3. Introduction to Orchestral Music (Course No. 324258)
The orchestra represents the most powerful and diverse medium of Western music, combining colour, scale, and expression. This course introduces students to the symphonic tradition, from Baroque overtures to Romantic symphonies and early modernist innovations. Through guided listening, live demonstrations, and video excerpts, students will explore forms such as the concerto and symphonic poem, while also examining the conductor’s role in shaping interpretation and communication. Particular attention is given to orchestration, historical development, and the expressive potential of large ensembles. A guest conductor joins the course to provide professional insights, encouraging students to analyse performance from both artistic and leadership perspectives.
4. Leave a Mark in Science and Art (Course No. 325009)
Offered in both English and Hebrew, this course explores how the principles of the performing arts can illuminate leadership, innovation, and the ability to leave a lasting impact. Live examples from the piano are woven into the sessions, demonstrating in real time how artistic practice sharpens communication, improvisation, and resilience—qualities essential for scientific and professional leadership. Students engage with case studies and critical analysis, gaining insights into how creativity, performance, and innovation intersect across disciplines. Anchored in the Technion’s interdisciplinary spirit, the course aspires to cultivate leaders who draw strength from the arts to inspire, connect, and transform their fields.