Music often feels like magic, a fleeting sequence of sounds that can move us to tears or make our hearts race. But behind that magic lies a sophisticated architecture. This spring, the Boulder Philharmonic invites you to pull back the curtain on the creative process with a special Exchange program: "Orchestral Building Blocks: Core Elements of Musical Composition."

Led by the acclaimed Dr. Fernanda Nieto, this course is designed for anyone who has ever sat in a concert hall and wondered, "How did the composer do that?"

The Anatomy of an Emotion

At its core, composition is about more than just "writing a tune." It is a delicate balance of three primary pillars:

• Melody and Rhythm: The "storytellers" of music that create hooks we remember long after the concert ends.
• Harmony and Harmonic Structure: The "vertical dimension" that provides depth. Harmony acts as the emotional color palette, providing the tension and resolution that make a melody feel triumphant, tragic, or mysterious.
• Form and Organization: The blueprint. From the symmetry of Sonata form to the adventurous nature of through-composed works, we will explore how composers organize time itself to create a narrative arc.

What Past Participants Are Saying

Don’t just take our word for it—previous attendees have found the Exchange to be a transformative experience. Of the participants surveyed, many agreed that the instructor knew the material well, presented it in an organized manner, and encouraged active discussion.

"I’m not as familiar with classical music, but the love of music the instructor had was contagious... I loved listening to the music and hearing Fernanda explain the emotions that went along."

"Dr. Nieto is an excellent instructor. She knows her subject exceedingly well and knows how to present it. She shows respect and interest in what participants say."

"The visual musical score helped me appreciate the difficulty and nuance of the works... Beautiful music, excellent PowerPoint, clear explanations, and an enthusiastic and engaging instructor. What's not to like?!"

Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Fernanda Nieto

Bringing a wealth of international expertise to the classroom, Dr. Fernanda Nieto is a celebrated pianist and educator. Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Dr. Nieto holds a Doctorate from CU Boulder and is a recipient of the Yamaha In-Residence Fellowship and the MTNA Teacher Enrichment Award.

Participants frequently describe her as "animated," "superb," and "extraordinarily prepared," noting her unique ability to blend high-level musical theory with accessible, engaging storytelling.

Exclusive Perks for Attendees

The "Orchestral Building Blocks" experience extends far beyond the lecture hall. Participants will receive:

• Curated Playlists & Listening Guides: Perfect for deepening your appreciation at home.
• A Peek Behind the Curtain: An invitation to a FREE open rehearsal and a private discussion with Maestro Michael Butterman.
• Discounted Tickets: Join us for the Boulder Philharmonic’s performance on March 22, 2026, to hear these building blocks in action.

Whether you are a seasoned musician or a curious listener, this program will forever change the way you hear an orchestra. Exchange: Orchestral Building Blocks: Core Elements of Musical Composition begins Wednesday, February 4, from 10 am - 12 pm through February 18. You can register through the Boulder JCC website.