Want to learn more about Mozart, Liszt or Bartok?

If so, the Community Music Division (CMD) at DePaul University’s School of Music is offering the public a new, non-credit music appreciation course that aims to increase understanding and enjoyment of classical music. Called Listening to Classical Symphonic Music, the program will be taught by Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist Tom Hall, a DePaul School of Music faculty member.

Classes will meet from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on four consecutive Mondays – Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 – in the Recital Hall of the School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave. The four sessions will focus on The Listening Experience, Classicism: The Musical Idea, Romanticism: Expression in Music and Twentieth Century Music. The program costs $50 for all four sessions or $15 to attend each individual session.

“This course is designed for the classical music neophyte and experienced listener alike, reflecting our mission to expand appreciation of music to a wider community audience,” said Susanne Baker, director of CMD.

Hall, who directs the School of Music’s Chamber Orchestra, has led a distinguished professional career in music. He joined the CSO in 1970, following a season with the Cincinnati Symphony and experience with orchestras in the Southwest.

In addition to his CSO duties, Hall has given recitals, appeared as a soloist with the Chicago String Ensemble, served for eight years as a member of the Chicago Arts Quartet, performed in the orchestras of Music of the Baroque and Ars Viva, and played for television and radio commercials. A graduate of Florida State University, Hall also spent three years as a member of the United States Army Strings, performing frequently at the White House and State Department.

CMD provides high quality music instruction to adults and children regardless of age, ability, cultural or national origin, or financial circumstance. Established in 1988, the division serves more than 650 students in the Chicago area and features an outstanding professional faculty of more than 60 artist-educators. Offerings include private lessons, musicianship and instrumental classes, performance ensembles, workshops and student recitals held at the School of Music on evenings and weekends. The CMD is a certified institutional member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.

For more information about this course or other CMD programs, call 773/325-7262 or visit the Web site: music.depaul.edu/cmd.