Experience the world of Shakespeare through text and film, discover the profound meditative insights of Wendell Berry, or join in the brilliant rhythms of a steel drum band. This fall, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering a wide variety of courses that spark curiosity and help the 50+ community rediscover the joy of learning.
From exploring the intricacies of American folk music to delving into the art of memoir writing, there’s something for everyone eager to learn and connect with an inclusive community of learners. OLLI at Vanderbilt is open to all who are 50 and older.
“We are excited to offer a diverse new lineup of courses this fall,” said Norma Clippard, director of OLLI at Vanderbilt. “Our program is designed to foster intellectual growth and social connection in a supportive environment. Whether participating in person or online, students will benefit from high-quality instruction and the unique camaraderie that defines our community.”
Registration for fall 2024 classes is open Aug. 26–Sept. 27. Visit OLLI at Vanderbilt to register. Classes for the fall term begin on Oct. 6.
OLLI Steel Drum Band (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt University)
OLLI at Vanderbilt students (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt University)
OLLI at Vanderbilt choral singing class (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt University)
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Beginner is taught by Mat Britain, adjunct instructor in music at Blair School of Music. This musical journey to the Caribbean is a hands-on experience in which participants learn how to play the steel drums. Previous musical experience is helpful but not required. Students will meet for seven Sundays beginning Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Blair School of Music.
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Advanced is taught by Mat Britain. This group, which often performs in the Vanderbilt Steel Bands Concert, approaches music that is more difficult with advanced playing techniques. Completion of the beginner and intermediate classes is a prerequisite unless the instructor grants permission through invitation or a short audition. Students will meet for seven Sundays beginning Oct. 6, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., at the Blair School.
- OLLI Steel Drum Band – Intermediate is taught by Mat Britain. For students who have grasped the basics, this course helps to refine techniques on the steel pans. Students will work on slightly more difficult music and dive deeper into the culture of Trinidad and the steel band art form. Completion of the beginner course is a prerequisite unless the instructor grants permission through invitation or a short audition. Students will meet for seven Sundays beginning Oct. 6, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., at the Blair School.
- Meditative Birding is taught by Stacy Elliott, Cumberland-Harpeth Audubon Society board member. Explore the accessible and inclusive practice of meditative birding in this course, where participants engage in focused observation of birds’ features and behaviors. Through activities like nature journaling and shared reflection, participants will cultivate an intentional connection with nature, tapping into proven mental health benefits such as improved memory, decreased anxiety and increased happiness. Students will meet for five Mondays beginning Oct. 7, from 9 to 10:15 a.m., at the Warner Park Nature Center.
- Meditating with Wendell Berry: A Contemplative Vision is taught by Gordon Peerman, Episcopal priest and psychotherapist. Explore Wendell Berry’s “contemplative vision” through guided meditations on themes such as love, loss, beauty and the value of good work. This course, suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators, will draw from selected passages from Berry’s novels, stories and poems. Students will meet for six Mondays beginning Oct. 7, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., online using Zoom.
- How to Write a Memoir is taught by Carole Webb Moore-Slater, an educator and community speaker. This creative nonfiction writing series provides practical information designed to motivate and inspire each participant to write a personal or family memoir one story at a time. Information includes organizational guidelines when planning a story and writing tips to bring characters to life as a story unfolds. Students will meet for eight Tuesdays beginning Oct. 8, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Writing Seminar: The Writing Life is taught by Victor Judge, assistant dean for academic affairs, Vanderbilt Divinity School. This writing workshop invites beginner writers to experience the challenges and pleasures of the “writing life” by composing prose assignments and sharing their work with peers. Limited to 12 participants, the seminar includes reading and discussing each contribution for strengths and revision suggestions. Students will meet twice monthly on Wednesdays beginning Oct. 9, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., online using Zoom.
- Adolf Hitler and Nazism: Exploring the Enigmas is taught by David Hinton, historian and former lecturer at Vanderbilt. Explore the enigmatic rise of Adolf Hitler, focusing on his use of media manipulation and propaganda to become Germany’s undisputed leader. The course also examines the Nazi Party’s hybrid political philosophy and its wide appeal across various social classes. Students will meet for six Wednesdays beginning Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- America’s Folk Revivals is taught by Robert Fry, principal senior lecturer in musicology and ethnomusicology at Blair School of Music. This course examines the history and influence of American folk music on popular recorded music and its role in folk revivals throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will explore various styles, artists, and cultural issues, uncovering the evolving sounds and meanings of folk music over time. Students will meet for six Wednesdays beginning Oct. 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., online using Zoom.
- Reading Shakespeare with Film – Part 3 is taught by Russ Heldman, educator and community speaker. This course will continue the exploration of the plays of William Shakespeare by use of the text and scenes from films depicting the plays. Students will see how reading Shakespeare with film aids in understanding the text and in enhancing the artistic experience. Students will meet for six Wednesdays beginning Oct. 9, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Cuba and the United States is taught by Frank Robinson, assistant professor of history at Vanderbilt. Discover the intertwined histories of Cuba and the United States, focusing on their complex and often troubled relationship, especially since Fidel Castro’s rise to power. This course examines the mutual influences between the two countries and Cuba’s recurring presence in U.S. affairs. Students will meet for six Thursdays beginning Oct. 10, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Commons Center.
- The Trends and Business of Major Diseases in the United States is taught by Steve Lindstrom, health care industry executive. This course explores the major diseases driving U.S. health care costs, examining current trends in treatment and diagnosis, and comparing the U.S. health care system to those of other modern democracies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic and public health impacts of “disease industries” and the factors behind rising health care costs. Students will meet for six Thursdays beginning Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Commons Center.
- Beginner Ukulele is taught by Theresa Romack, teaching artist. The course offers an introduction to ukulele and group singing. Learn the basics of tuning, strumming and chords while learning a few songs. Each week builds on the last, with ample time for practice and review. Ukuleles are provided. Students will meet for six Tuesdays beginning Oct. 15, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.
- Choral Singing is taught by Mary Combs, choral director and educator. This course will instruct singers in blending tones, vocal techniques, singing in harmony and musicianship, as well as prepare the participants to perform a few songs for an audience. The goal for the overall experience is to have fun while making beautiful music together. Students will meet for six Tuesdays beginning Oct. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.
All class meetings will be on Central time. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations. For more information, visit vanderbilt.edu/olli or call 615-343-0700.
