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Course Details

Overview

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the first production of Wagners Ring Cycle at Bayreuth. Although it is arguably the greatest work of art conceived by a single individual, it is also one of the most controversial.

Programme Details

Seminars

Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.

Programme Timetable

The daily timetable will normally be as follows:

Saturday

14.0016.30 - Registration 16.3017.00 - Orientation meeting 17.0017.30 - Classroom orientation for tutor and students 17.3018.00 - Drinks reception 18.0020.00 - Welcome dinner

Sunday Friday

09.0010.30 - Seminar 10.3011.00 - Tea/coffee break 11.0012.30 - Seminar 12.3013.30 - Lunch 13.3018.00 - Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.

Fees

Description | Costs
---|---
Fee Option 1 (Single en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals) | Ł2205.00
Fee Option 2 (Double en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals) 1 person | Ł2310.00
Fee Option 3 (Twin en suite - inc. Tuition and Meals) per person | Ł1850.00
Fee Option 4 (No Accommodation - inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner) | Ł1375.00

Funding

Concessionary rates are available on a non-residential basis for those that qualify.

Payment

All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.

Tutor

Dr Peter Copley - Tutor

Peter Copley is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a departmental lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has also been a Research Associate for the music faculty.

Course Aims

This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Wagners Ring Cycle and Wagners developing concept of Music Drama.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods used during this course may include:

Short lectures/presentations
Physical handouts
Seminars/group discussions
Student presentations
Audio and video recording

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students will have been given the opportunity to understand:

Wagners Music Dramas in general and the Ring Cycle in particular.
The ways in which Wagners concept of Music Drama changed and developed.
How the Ring Cycle fits into the context of contemporary philosophical, political and musical developments in the nineteenth century.
Wagners techniques and working methods.
The reasons why Wagners work remains a subject of controversy.

Assessment Methods

Participants are required to undertake preparatory reading and complete a pre-course assignment of 1,500 words. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing your ideas and is mandatory. The pre-course assignment is typically due in the first week of June.

You will be assessed during the summer school by either a 1,000 word written assignment or a presentation supported by individual documentation. To successfully gain credit (10 CATS points) students should attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment.

Participants will also attend two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor during the week.

Application

Most courses fill quickly so early registration is strongly recommended. If your preferred course is fully booked, you may wish to add yourself to the waiting list and the Programme Administrator will contact you should a place become available.

Please note, the programme is only open to those over the age of 18.

Exploring Wagner's Ring Cycle: Die Walkyrie

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