Friday, January 1
Messiah Holiday Special
Boston Baroque (Martin Pearlman, director)
Celebrate the New Year with Boston Baroque! Join us for a virtual toast followed by a celebratory performance of an audience favorite, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, recorded on January 1, 2019 and featuring soloists Aldo Abreu and Priscilla Herreid, recorders.
3pm - link sent to ticket holders
$10
www.bostonbaroque.org
Boston Baroque (Martin Pearlman, director)
Celebrate the New Year with Boston Baroque! Join us for a virtual toast followed by a celebratory performance of an audience favorite, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, recorded on January 1, 2019 and featuring soloists Aldo Abreu and Priscilla Herreid, recorders.
3pm - link sent to ticket holders
$10
www.bostonbaroque.org
January 3-10
Temperament, the Harmonic Series, and You
Emily O'Brien, instructor
What’s the harmonic series, and how does it help you play in tune? What’s the story with all those historical temperaments, anyway? Why can’t everyone just play “in tune”? What does it even mean to play “in tune”? Musicians and theorists have grappled with these questions for centuries. It sounds like an esoteric topic, but all of these questions come back to something we call the Harmonic Series. It’s a fundamental part of how sound works and how musical instruments work, and understanding it better really can help you improve your own playing!
In the Introductory Session (Jan. 3, 2021, 4:30-6 PM EST), we’ll take a look at the harmonic series and its implications for musicians, and demystify why all those different historical temperaments exist, without getting lost in the mathematical weeds!
In the Tuning Exercises Session (Jan. 10, 2021, 4:30-5:30 PM EST), we’ll put these concepts into practice and go over a series of exercises to help you hear your own intonation and get better at improving it in the context of a piece of music. These exercises are most tailored toward recorder players, but are useful for any instrument where the pitch isn’t fixed.
$18-$30
https://www.emilysdomain.org/Recorderland/online-workshops/
Emily O'Brien, instructor
What’s the harmonic series, and how does it help you play in tune? What’s the story with all those historical temperaments, anyway? Why can’t everyone just play “in tune”? What does it even mean to play “in tune”? Musicians and theorists have grappled with these questions for centuries. It sounds like an esoteric topic, but all of these questions come back to something we call the Harmonic Series. It’s a fundamental part of how sound works and how musical instruments work, and understanding it better really can help you improve your own playing!
In the Introductory Session (Jan. 3, 2021, 4:30-6 PM EST), we’ll take a look at the harmonic series and its implications for musicians, and demystify why all those different historical temperaments exist, without getting lost in the mathematical weeds!
In the Tuning Exercises Session (Jan. 10, 2021, 4:30-5:30 PM EST), we’ll put these concepts into practice and go over a series of exercises to help you hear your own intonation and get better at improving it in the context of a piece of music. These exercises are most tailored toward recorder players, but are useful for any instrument where the pitch isn’t fixed.
$18-$30
https://www.emilysdomain.org/Recorderland/online-workshops/
Saturday, January 9
Amherst Early Music Online - Baroque Ornamentation Italian Style
Frances Blaker, recorder
Extempore ornamentation—on the spot invention—is an essential part of Baroque music. Improve your ability to add appropriate ornamentation to Baroque sonatas in the Italian style. We'll look into the two main types of ornamentation: those on one note such as trills and mordents, and ornaments that include several notes and lead from one note of the composition to the next. We will work with ornaments-in-action in movements by Corelli, Mancini and Barsanti. Geared toward: upper intermediate to advanced recorders and other melody players. Pitch: A = 440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Frances Blaker, recorder
Extempore ornamentation—on the spot invention—is an essential part of Baroque music. Improve your ability to add appropriate ornamentation to Baroque sonatas in the Italian style. We'll look into the two main types of ornamentation: those on one note such as trills and mordents, and ornaments that include several notes and lead from one note of the composition to the next. We will work with ornaments-in-action in movements by Corelli, Mancini and Barsanti. Geared toward: upper intermediate to advanced recorders and other melody players. Pitch: A = 440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Amherst Early Music Online - JamKazam: Introduction to Distance Playing in Real Time
Gwyn Roberts, instructorIf you’ve been hearing about the wonders of playing with your friend(s) over the internet but haven’t had the chance to learn more, take this class! JamKazam is one of several low-latency platforms for playing music together online, in real time. Gwyn Roberts has done extensive work in helping students and colleagues set up the JamKazam app. She’ll work directly with a couple of pre-selected people who live near her and have the required equipment for a successful JamKazam session. Auditors will be able to ask questions, and will receive Gwyn’s notes on setting up JamKazam, including a list of the required equipment and tips for making it work better. Open to: all.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Gwyn Roberts, instructorIf you’ve been hearing about the wonders of playing with your friend(s) over the internet but haven’t had the chance to learn more, take this class! JamKazam is one of several low-latency platforms for playing music together online, in real time. Gwyn Roberts has done extensive work in helping students and colleagues set up the JamKazam app. She’ll work directly with a couple of pre-selected people who live near her and have the required equipment for a successful JamKazam session. Auditors will be able to ask questions, and will receive Gwyn’s notes on setting up JamKazam, including a list of the required equipment and tips for making it work better. Open to: all.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Sunday, January 10
Amherst Early Music Online - Passacaglias and Chaconnes
Xavier Díaz-Latorre, lute and guitar
This class is intended for players ofany instrument, professional or amateur, and aims to delve into the understanding of the passacaglia and chaconne, forms which have existed since the 17th century. We will study passacaglias and chaconnes written for a range of solo instruments up to orchestral music. Topics may include specific historical harmonic progressions, basso continuo, and musical forms. Open to all, Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Xavier Díaz-Latorre, lute and guitar
This class is intended for players ofany instrument, professional or amateur, and aims to delve into the understanding of the passacaglia and chaconne, forms which have existed since the 17th century. We will study passacaglias and chaconnes written for a range of solo instruments up to orchestral music. Topics may include specific historical harmonic progressions, basso continuo, and musical forms. Open to all, Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Amherst Early Music Online - Hume! Workshop and Master Class
Martha McGaughey, viol
Open to: upper intermediate to advanced viol players. Pitch: A=415. Tuning: Standard bass viol tuning
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Martha McGaughey, viol
Open to: upper intermediate to advanced viol players. Pitch: A=415. Tuning: Standard bass viol tuning
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
January 16-17
Amherst Early Music Winter Weekend Workshop
Saturday, January 16 (All times EST)
11am-12:30pm The answer is NO! with Valerie Horst and Wendy Powers
11am-12:30pm European Grand Tour with Kathryn Cok
1-2:30pm Flute Master Class with Gwyn Roberts
1-2:30pm Spain, Italy…Sweden? with Patricia Petersen and Douglas Young
3-4:30pm Music for Loud Band from the New Worldwith Joan Kimball and Bob Wiemken
3-4:30pm Alone and Together with Sarah Cunningham
7-8:30pmThe Elegant Menuet, with Dorothy Olsson and Julie Iwasa
Sunday, January 17
11am-12:30pm Frescobaldi and Friends with Kathryn Cok, harpsichord and Wouter Verschuren, dulcian
11am-12:30pm The Ensemble Compositions of Liduino Pitombeira with Rainer Beckmann
1-2:30pm Recorder Master Class with Rotem Gilbert
1-2:30pm Songs of Nicolas Lanier with Nell Snaidas and Richard Stone
3-4:30pm Songs of Fortune and Hope, or, Good Riddance, 2020! with Mark Rimple, lute
3-4:30pm Obbligato Harpsichord and YOU with Leon Schelhase, harpsichord and Geoffrey Burgess, oboe
5pm - Faculty Concert and Farewell
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/www_online
Saturday, January 16 (All times EST)
11am-12:30pm The answer is NO! with Valerie Horst and Wendy Powers
11am-12:30pm European Grand Tour with Kathryn Cok
1-2:30pm Flute Master Class with Gwyn Roberts
1-2:30pm Spain, Italy…Sweden? with Patricia Petersen and Douglas Young
3-4:30pm Music for Loud Band from the New Worldwith Joan Kimball and Bob Wiemken
3-4:30pm Alone and Together with Sarah Cunningham
7-8:30pmThe Elegant Menuet, with Dorothy Olsson and Julie Iwasa
Sunday, January 17
11am-12:30pm Frescobaldi and Friends with Kathryn Cok, harpsichord and Wouter Verschuren, dulcian
11am-12:30pm The Ensemble Compositions of Liduino Pitombeira with Rainer Beckmann
1-2:30pm Recorder Master Class with Rotem Gilbert
1-2:30pm Songs of Nicolas Lanier with Nell Snaidas and Richard Stone
3-4:30pm Songs of Fortune and Hope, or, Good Riddance, 2020! with Mark Rimple, lute
3-4:30pm Obbligato Harpsichord and YOU with Leon Schelhase, harpsichord and Geoffrey Burgess, oboe
5pm - Faculty Concert and Farewell
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/www_online
Wednesday, January 20
Blue Heron Spotlight Session: Tuning the Modes
Pamela Dellal, presenter
Join long-time Blue Heron member Pamela Dellal as she teaches us her approach to modal tuning and performance. This event will be a mix of live and pre-recorded portions.
7pm - online. This event will be held live on Zoom, then recorded and posted for ticketholders.
$35 Adult / $10 Student & Low-Income
https://www.blueheron.org/spotlight-sessions/
Pamela Dellal, presenter
Join long-time Blue Heron member Pamela Dellal as she teaches us her approach to modal tuning and performance. This event will be a mix of live and pre-recorded portions.
7pm - online. This event will be held live on Zoom, then recorded and posted for ticketholders.
$35 Adult / $10 Student & Low-Income
https://www.blueheron.org/spotlight-sessions/
Saturday, January 23
Amherst Early Music Online - Härpffen und Singen II: Harp Accompaniment for Medieval Song
Nancy Thym, voice and harpThis will build on Nancy’s course in October, but it is not a prerequisite to have taken that course. We will concentrate on using parts of a song melody to develop accompaniment patterns for monophonic songs or working out our own second voice based on other two-part songs of the same period. We will also continue working on playing one or two voices of two or three part songs while singing the other voice. Geared to: harps and other plucked instruments with a high level offacility. This class will work on more advanced skills than Part I. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Nancy Thym, voice and harpThis will build on Nancy’s course in October, but it is not a prerequisite to have taken that course. We will concentrate on using parts of a song melody to develop accompaniment patterns for monophonic songs or working out our own second voice based on other two-part songs of the same period. We will also continue working on playing one or two voices of two or three part songs while singing the other voice. Geared to: harps and other plucked instruments with a high level offacility. This class will work on more advanced skills than Part I. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
VdGS-NE Special Topics Class: Machaut for Tenors
Mary Springfels, presenter
The Lai of the Fountain is one of a very few long medieval pieces to make it into our repertoire. Written by Guillaume de Machaut in about 1340, it consists of 12 verses in honor of the Virgin. Every other verse is a three-part canon. These canons, called chaces, are wonders of beauty and intricacy. As it happens, they fit perfectly on the tenor viol. We will play all 6 of them, explore Machaut's musical language, and discuss the lai's technical and rhythmic challenges. For intermediate and advanced viola da gamba players. Ideal for tenors; bass and treble players may register at your discretion.
3-4:30pm - online
$15. Registration deadline: January 16, 2021
http://vdgsne.org/workshops/machaut-with-mary-springfels/
Mary Springfels, presenter
The Lai of the Fountain is one of a very few long medieval pieces to make it into our repertoire. Written by Guillaume de Machaut in about 1340, it consists of 12 verses in honor of the Virgin. Every other verse is a three-part canon. These canons, called chaces, are wonders of beauty and intricacy. As it happens, they fit perfectly on the tenor viol. We will play all 6 of them, explore Machaut's musical language, and discuss the lai's technical and rhythmic challenges. For intermediate and advanced viola da gamba players. Ideal for tenors; bass and treble players may register at your discretion.
3-4:30pm - online
$15. Registration deadline: January 16, 2021
http://vdgsne.org/workshops/machaut-with-mary-springfels/
Amherst Early Music Online - Scottish Songs and Tunes from the Baroque
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder “Guid gear comes in sma’ bulk:” A Scottish English/Gaelic phrase that means “Good things come in small packages'' aptly describes the fanciful and melodic tunes from the Scottish Baroque. Explore traditional tunes from Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion, Barsanti’s Old Scots Tunes, and Geminiani’s settings of folk tunes from the British Isles. Open to: intermediate to advanced recorders and other melody instruments. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Jennifer Carpenter, recorder “Guid gear comes in sma’ bulk:” A Scottish English/Gaelic phrase that means “Good things come in small packages'' aptly describes the fanciful and melodic tunes from the Scottish Baroque. Explore traditional tunes from Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion, Barsanti’s Old Scots Tunes, and Geminiani’s settings of folk tunes from the British Isles. Open to: intermediate to advanced recorders and other melody instruments. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Sunday, January 24
Amherst Early Music Online - Simpson’s Division Viol as a Technique Primer Lisa Terry, viol
Improve your technique in this comfortable exploration of the exercises from part one of Christopher Simpson’s The Division Viol. This class will get you acclimated to the idea of working through Simpson’s exercises and preludes, and give you some practice tips for tackling the divisions. Open to: intermediate to advanced bass viol players. Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Improve your technique in this comfortable exploration of the exercises from part one of Christopher Simpson’s The Division Viol. This class will get you acclimated to the idea of working through Simpson’s exercises and preludes, and give you some practice tips for tackling the divisions. Open to: intermediate to advanced bass viol players. Pitch: A=415.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Amherst Early Music Online - Music of Renaissance Scotland and Songs of Robert Burns Shira Kammen, instructor
We will look at several of the beautiful Renaissance part-songs from Scotland, and then in contrast, delve into musical settings of poems by Robert Burns (1759-1796), whose birthday is regularly celebrated publicly with poetry and music these 250 plus years, and is the day after our workshop, January 25. Burns is widely considered the national poet of Scotland, and frequently took traditional fiddle tunes and wrote lyrics to fit the melodies. We’ll play and sing some of his finest poems, some in their monophonic form, and others in 2-4 part settings by various composers, including Joseph Haydn. Open to: all voices and instruments. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
We will look at several of the beautiful Renaissance part-songs from Scotland, and then in contrast, delve into musical settings of poems by Robert Burns (1759-1796), whose birthday is regularly celebrated publicly with poetry and music these 250 plus years, and is the day after our workshop, January 25. Burns is widely considered the national poet of Scotland, and frequently took traditional fiddle tunes and wrote lyrics to fit the melodies. We’ll play and sing some of his finest poems, some in their monophonic form, and others in 2-4 part settings by various composers, including Joseph Haydn. Open to: all voices and instruments. Pitch: A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Saturday, January 30
Amherst Early Music Online - Hotteterre’s Préludes and Traits for Recorder: A Guide to Performing
Reine-Marie Verhagen, recorder
Learn how to play the préludes and traits from a master. Reine-Marie Verhagen will discuss and demonstrate style, expression, and ornamentation in these elegant miniatures. Though not a master class, volunteers (maximum 4) are invited to demonstrate a prélude or trait for the class. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer and, if selected to demonstrate, which prélude or trait you will play. Demonstrators should choose one of the pieces in the list below. Class will use the Baroque Solo Book, published by Dolce (DOL 111), and focus on the following pieces: Preludes in F major and f minor, g minor and G major, Traits in F major and G major. Geared toward: upper intermediate to advanced alto recorders. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Reine-Marie Verhagen, recorder
Learn how to play the préludes and traits from a master. Reine-Marie Verhagen will discuss and demonstrate style, expression, and ornamentation in these elegant miniatures. Though not a master class, volunteers (maximum 4) are invited to demonstrate a prélude or trait for the class. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer and, if selected to demonstrate, which prélude or trait you will play. Demonstrators should choose one of the pieces in the list below. Class will use the Baroque Solo Book, published by Dolce (DOL 111), and focus on the following pieces: Preludes in F major and f minor, g minor and G major, Traits in F major and G major. Geared toward: upper intermediate to advanced alto recorders. Pitch: A=440.
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Amherst Early Music Online - Renaissance Flute Consorts! Attaignant, Susato, and Music from the Puebla MS Na’ama Lion, Renaissance flute
We will play music from the Attaignant song collections, arranged for instruments in the 16th century, the Susato publications, music from the Odhecaton, and from the Puebla manuscript from Mexico. Come and play this beautiful music while getting tips on Renaissance flute technique. Open to: Renaissance flutes; recorder players and other soft Renaissance instruments are also welcome. Pitch A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
We will play music from the Attaignant song collections, arranged for instruments in the 16th century, the Susato publications, music from the Odhecaton, and from the Puebla manuscript from Mexico. Come and play this beautiful music while getting tips on Renaissance flute technique. Open to: Renaissance flutes; recorder players and other soft Renaissance instruments are also welcome. Pitch A=440.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Delving Deeper - The Teenage Violin: Growth Spurts in the Seventeenth Century
Sarah Darling, violinist
Originally used as an instrument for dance bands, the violin really grew to maturity as a solo voice between 1600-1700. Excitement over the flashy new instrument and its potential manifested itself in the Italian "stile moderno" and the German "stylus fantasticus" with highly virtuosic and experimental writing that will be explored in this talk with musical samplings.
7:30pm - Online (link sent to ticket holders)
$10-$25
www.oldpostroad.org
Sarah Darling, violinist
Originally used as an instrument for dance bands, the violin really grew to maturity as a solo voice between 1600-1700. Excitement over the flashy new instrument and its potential manifested itself in the Italian "stile moderno" and the German "stylus fantasticus" with highly virtuosic and experimental writing that will be explored in this talk with musical samplings.
7:30pm - Online (link sent to ticket holders)
$10-$25
www.oldpostroad.org
Sunday, January 31
Amherst Early Music Online - Reflecting Diversity at the Keyboard
Alissa Duryee, harpsichord
This class, a survey of works by women and people ofcolor, provides resources for players and teachers of keyboard instruments seeking to reflect diversity in their repertoire. Baroque keyboard music will be the central focus, but some attention will be given to chamber and vocal music, as well as music of later periods which can be played on early instruments. Live musical examples will be shared; the participants are warmly invited to provide the examples themselves, or play/sing along to the ones given by the instructor. Lastly, my approach to this class will be pragmatic, focusing on materials which are readily available online, including selections appropriate for a great variety of levels and player profiles. Participants who would like to demonstrate materials in class should indicate this in the registration process, and choose a piece from this shared Google Drive Folder named ‘diversity’. Demonstrators will be chosen by Thursday, January 28. Geared to: keyboard players, others are welcome. Pitch: A = 415 (440 could be accommodated by contacting the instructor.)
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Alissa Duryee, harpsichord
This class, a survey of works by women and people ofcolor, provides resources for players and teachers of keyboard instruments seeking to reflect diversity in their repertoire. Baroque keyboard music will be the central focus, but some attention will be given to chamber and vocal music, as well as music of later periods which can be played on early instruments. Live musical examples will be shared; the participants are warmly invited to provide the examples themselves, or play/sing along to the ones given by the instructor. Lastly, my approach to this class will be pragmatic, focusing on materials which are readily available online, including selections appropriate for a great variety of levels and player profiles. Participants who would like to demonstrate materials in class should indicate this in the registration process, and choose a piece from this shared Google Drive Folder named ‘diversity’. Demonstrators will be chosen by Thursday, January 28. Geared to: keyboard players, others are welcome. Pitch: A = 415 (440 could be accommodated by contacting the instructor.)
1-2:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Intermezzi in Musica 2021 (concert 1)
Elinor Frey, Baroque cello; Antoine Malette-Chénier, harp
In the first concert of a series of 5 live streams, Montreal based Baroque cellist Elinor Frey presents cello sonatas of Jean Baur with harp accompaniment.
2:30pm EST - Online
$10-$20 (CAD) Tickets
info@elinorfrey.com
Elinor Frey, Baroque cello; Antoine Malette-Chénier, harp
In the first concert of a series of 5 live streams, Montreal based Baroque cellist Elinor Frey presents cello sonatas of Jean Baur with harp accompaniment.
2:30pm EST - Online
$10-$20 (CAD) Tickets
info@elinorfrey.com
Amherst Early Music Online - Ogni Sorte, Seconda Volta!
Martha Bishop, violFor all sorts of Instruments, this collection of Renaissance hit parade songs edited by Richard Taruskn and Arnold Grayson presents pieces with challenging contrapuntal parts around easier cantus lines based on the most famous melodies of the 15th and 16th centuries, set by Franco Flemish composers. Learn the original melodies and their texts, marvel at the canonic devices used in the settings, practice the rhythmic intricacies and play either or both parts. As an added interest there will be a few interesting settings by modern composers! Bring recorders, viol, lutes, cornetti, sackbut or whatever. Scores will be available in various clefs, and pitch will be 440 to accommodate Ogni Sorte of instruments.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes
Martha Bishop, violFor all sorts of Instruments, this collection of Renaissance hit parade songs edited by Richard Taruskn and Arnold Grayson presents pieces with challenging contrapuntal parts around easier cantus lines based on the most famous melodies of the 15th and 16th centuries, set by Franco Flemish composers. Learn the original melodies and their texts, marvel at the canonic devices used in the settings, practice the rhythmic intricacies and play either or both parts. As an added interest there will be a few interesting settings by modern composers! Bring recorders, viol, lutes, cornetti, sackbut or whatever. Scores will be available in various clefs, and pitch will be 440 to accommodate Ogni Sorte of instruments.
3-4:30pm EST - online course (link sent to registrants)
$25 per session
https://www.amherstearlymusic.org/weekend_online_classes