From the meditative practice of Tai Chi, to the exploration of the iconic movies that shaped the boomer generation, to the creative art of watercolor painting, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering an exciting lineup of spring courses to invite the 50-plus community to rediscover the joy of learning.
With engaging topics in music, history, literature, wellness and more, OLLI provides a wealth of opportunities for learning and connection. Vanderbilt faculty and staff are now eligible for a discount on course registration, making it more accessible than ever to join the OLLI community. Contact oshervu@vanderbilt.edu to learn more.
“OLLI at Vanderbilt continues to provide intellectually stimulating courses that cultivate personal growth and camaraderie,” said Tara Hamilton, director of OLLI at Vanderbilt. “This spring we’re excited to introduce some new instructors offering a variety of educational experiences for our members.”
Registration:
Registration for spring classes is open Feb. 10–March 10. Classes begin on March 16. Visit OLLI at Vanderbilt to register.
Courses Offered
Music and Performing Arts
- 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 where participants learn how to play the steel drums. Previous musical experience is helpful but not required. Students meet for six Sundays beginning March 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at 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 meet for six Sundays beginning March 23, 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 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 meet for six Sundays beginning March 23, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., at Blair School.
- Intermediate Ukulele is taught by Theresa Romack, teaching artist. Take your ukulele playing to the next level in this intermediate course tailored for players who have a solid foundation in beginner-level ukulele techniques and are ready to explore more complex musical possibilities. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills or add depth to your playing, this course offers the perfect next step on your ukulele journey. Students meet for six Mondays beginning March 17, from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike.
- OLLI Chorale is taught by Mary Combs, choral director and educator. Participants receive instruction in blending tones, vocal techniques, singing in harmony and musicianship, and prepare to perform a few songs for an audience. The goal for the overall experience is to have fun while making beautiful music together. Students meet for seven Tuesdays beginning March 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Wellness and Personal Development
- Birding for a Better World: Finding Joy and Community in Nature is taught by Stacy Elliot, Cumberland-Harpeth Audubon Society board member. You don’t have to be able to identify birds by sight and sound to be a “birder.” This course debunks common myths about birdwatching and offers some refreshing guidelines. Learn about the health benefits of birdwatching, and how inclusive, affirming and joyful birding can be. Students meet for six Mondays beginning March 17, from 9 to 10:15 a.m., at the Warner Park BIRD Center.
- Tai Chi is taught by Cindy Hui-Lo, certified Tai Chi and Qigong instructor. This course is designed to facilitate regulation of the whole self, including mobility, connection and attention. Each class features slow and flowing movements suitable for all levels and is appropriate for those comfortable moving on their own. Students meet for six Mondays beginning March 24, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave.
- Six Birding Hot Spots in Nashville is taught by Stacy Elliot. Visit some of Nashville’s most acclaimed birding hot spots and learn from local experts what makes these places so attractive to birds. Discover tools like eBird, Merlin, Audubon app, iNaturalist, dBird and BirdCast to identify, track and record birds. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning March 19, from 9 to 10:15 a.m., at locations like Radnor Lake and Beaman Park.
- Gentle Yoga is taught by Staci Smith, certified yoga instructor. This course is designed to promote flexibility, balance and mindfulness. Each class features slow, flowing movements and gentle stretches suitable for all levels. Students meet for six Thursdays beginning March 20, from noon to 1:15 p.m., at West End United Methodist Church.
Literature, History and Culture
- The Movies That Defined Us … Boomers and Their Movies is taught by David B. Hinton, historian and former lecturer at Vanderbilt. Baby boomers lived through two pivotal eras in American film: the Hollywood studio system and the rise of indie films. As this shift occurred, certain movies like The Graduate, Dr. Zhivago and The Big Chill became cultural touchstones, shaping a generation. Explore the lasting impact of these films and why they continue to resonate. Students meet for six Mondays beginning March 17, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- Reading Shakespeare with Film 4 is taught by Russ Heldman, educator and community speaker. Explore the plays of William Shakespeare by use of the text and scenes from films depicting the plays. Students discover how reading Shakespeare with film aids in understanding the text and in enhancing the artistic experience. Of particular focus for Part 4 is Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It, Troilus and Cressida and The Winter’s Tale. Attending previous courses is not required. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning March 19, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., online using Zoom.
- The Religious and Political Questions in Albert Camus’ Novel The Plague is taught by Victor Judge, assistant dean for academic affairs, Vanderbilt Divinity School. Written during World War II and published in 1947, The Plague serves as a religious and political allegory for the crises facing humankind. This course examines how an outbreak of disease in an Algerian seaport reflects broader societal struggles, including institutional religion’s role in times of plague. Discussions focus on Camus’ model of resistance and the relevance of his themes today. Students meet for six Thursdays beginning March 20, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., at West End United Methodist Church.
- 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 meet for six Thursdays beginning March 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online using Zoom.
Society and Current Affairs
- End of Life, Aging and the Paradox of Physical Decline and Spiritual Growth is taught by Larry R. Churchill, Ann Geddes Stahlman Professor of Medical Ethics Emeritus at Vanderbilt University. Explore the rich and seemingly paradoxical possibilities for aging and dying, with a focus on the cultural tendency to deny aging and death. This course draws from religious, spiritual and philosophical traditions, literature and poetry, social science and personal experiences. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning March 18, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., online using Zoom.
- Great Decisions 2025 is taught by Keith Simmons, retired attorney and managing partner at Bass, Berry & Sims. This discussion-based course is built around Great Decisions, an annual publication of the Foreign Policy Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the American public to learn more about the world. The Great Decisions publication contains eight chapters, each focused on a different foreign policy issue or subject of international importance written by experts in the field. Students meet for six Tuesdays beginning March 18, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., at West End United Methodist Church.
- The Future of Nashville is taught by Bill Purcell, former mayor of Nashville. Understanding Nashville’s future requires a clear view of its present and past. This course traces the city’s evolution from its incorporation in 1806 through key civic functions like education, public safety and quality of life. Discussions explore current policy decisions, future challenges, and the choices that will shape what comes next. Students meet for six Wednesdays beginning March 19, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Art and Creativity
- Introduction to Watercolor and Art Fundamentals is taught by Art Witulski, research professor of electrical engineering. This course introduces watercolor painting, covering essential tools like paints, palettes, brushes and paper. Students explore techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet brush-on-dry paper while learning color theory and composition. The course emphasizes selecting and modifying reference photos for painting, with a focus on landscapes. Students meet for six Thursdays beginning March 20, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., online using Zoom.
All class meeting times listed are Central time. For more information, visit vanderbilt.edu/olli or call 615-343-0700. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations.
