La Jolla Music Society launches new free lecture series, MUSIC 101, at The Conrad

La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) is launching a new, free Music 101 Lecture Series at The Conrad, featuring Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University and a longtime guest lecturer for the company.

Launching on Jan. 27, Music 101 lectures will take place on the last Tuesday of the month (except March), from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in The JAI:

•Tuesday, Jan. 27: We’re All in the Mood for a Melody: Polyphony Through the Ages

•Tuesday, Feb. 24: We’re All in This Together: The Reign of Homophony

•Tuesday, March 17: The Long and Winding Road: Music Takes Form

•Tuesday, April 28: Purple Rain: Color as the Joy of Listening

•Tuesday, May 26: Go Your Own Way: After Sonata Form

Patrons are invited to engage with history and enrich future concert experiences with this introduction to the history of Western classical music. An associate professor of music and director of orchestras at San Diego State University and longtime Prelude lecturer for La Jolla Music Society, Gerdes brings his expertise and passion for music history to this new initiative.

This free, five-part public series is designed for anyone curious about the composers, works, and cultural movements that shaped the music we know and love. No prior musical background is needed. Each lecture builds on the previous one, yet every session stands on its own so you can join at any point in the series, according to a news release.

No tickets will be issued or required for these Music 101 lectures, but RSVPs are encouraged through The Conrad’s website (TheConrad.org) in order to keep a head count.

The JAI is located in The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. More information can be found at TheConrad.org or by calling 858-459-3728.