Welcome back!

We are delighted to welcome you back to the classroom. As we find our way during these uncertain times, the health and safety of our treasured community remains our top priority. We will continue to require proof of vaccination and masks for all in-person events. Enrollment will be limited to enable social distancing.

This semester brings new opportunities to continue learning together. Through music, visual art, theatre, literature, history and more we will learn with each other, from each other and about each other as we explore the human experience. The stories of those who came before us inspire and inform the stories yet-to-come.

We offer worry-free registration. If your plans change, simply let us know before the class start date and we’ll process your refund promptly. Let us know after a class begins and we’ll issue a refund for the remaining sessions. Cancellation fees will be waived.

Join us this spring to increase your understanding of a favorite subject or discover something new. We can’t wait to connect with you again.

The Learning Curve Team

Now in our 20th year of connecting those who love to teach with those who love to learn…

Spring 2023 Courses

Look Ma, I'm Dancin'! The Art of the Broadway Choreographer

Look Ma, I’m Dancin’! The Art of the Broadway Choreographer

Look Ma, I’m Dancin’! celebrates the Broadway choreographers who elevated dance in the American Musical from entertainment to art. Featuring show stopping numbers from the Golden Age of Musical Theatre, Look Ma, I’m Dancin’! explores the creative process of the Broadway choreographer. From George Balanchine’s On Your Toes to Andy Blankenbuehler’s Hamilton, Look Ma, I’m Dancin’! is an all singing, all dancing extravaganza of dance on Broadway.

Tuesdays, Oct 6 – Nov 10
10:00 am – noon

Instructor: Richard T. Hanson

More Info / Registration
Making New Boxes: A Multigenre Workshop for Writers

Making New Boxes: A Multigenre Workshop for Writers

Think outside the box, we’re told, but too many choices may paralyze rather than liberate. In his new book, Inside the Box, David Epstein argues that boundaries can create breakthroughs and the right constraints can help us be more creative. In this multigenre writing workshop, we’ll examine the contents of our old boxes— the conventional, the personal —and make new ones with challenges that will lead to fresh, original writing.

Fridays, Oct 9 – Nov 13
1:30 – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Meg Files

More Info / Registration
Portrait of Emily: Examining the Evidence

Portrait of Emily: Examining the Evidence

Emily Dickinson is one of the best loved poets of America. Join us to explore Dickinson’s biography, her historical context, her letters, and her poetry, from early work to later poems, and even writings she left on envelopes, napkins, and recipe cards, that have only recently been discovered. We will look at the heart of her work, and at the details of her craft, to learn why she continues to challenge and inspire poets and readers to this day.

Tuesdays, Oct 20 – Nov 17
1:30 - 3:30 pm

Instructor: Charles Alexander

More Info / Registration
Unlocking the Keys: The Great Jazz Pianists

Unlocking the Keys: The Great Jazz Pianists

Join Tucson Jazz Festival Executive Director and talented musician Khris Dodge to explore the extraordinary musicians who transformed jazz with their unmistakable sound. Through piano performances, engaging discussions, historic recordings, and video clips, you’ll hear the music and stories of legendary pianists including Fats Waller, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett and others whose influence continues today.

Thursdays, Oct 29 – Nov 19
2:00 – 4:00 pm

Instructor: Khris Dodge

More Info / Registration
Western Paleoindian Archaeology- Early North Americans west of the Great Plains

Western Paleoindian Archaeology- Early North Americans west of the Great Plains

Examine Paleoindian research in North America, with a focus on local sites and regional archaeology of the Southwest and discuss recent findings and observations from the instructor’s current research around the St. Johns region in Northern Arizona.

Thursdays, Dec 3 - Jan 21
10:00 am - noon

Instructor: Matthew J Rowe

More Info / Registration
The Gifts of the Medici

The Gifts of the Medici

Discover how the Medici family created the Renaissance in art and music and conquered the world. Starting out as simple citizens of the Florentine Republic, they ended up as Dukes and absolute rulers over the Duchy of Florence and from this their influence spread throughout Europe. By patronizing the cultural developments of the day, the Medici successfully used art and music to glorify their rise and guarantee their historical legacy.

Tuesdays, Dec 8 – Jan 12
10:00 am – noon

Instructor: Kevin Justus

More Info / Registration
Afternoon Delight: Jazz at the Century Room

Afternoon Delight: Jazz at the Century Room

Join us at the Century Room, Tucson’s only dedicated jazz club, and enjoy a special performance for The Learning Curve presented by local jazz musicians. Hosted by Khris Dodge, this afternoon session will be the perfect way to continue your journey into jazz and ring in the New Year in style.

Sunday, Jan 3
4:30 – 5:45 pm

Instructor: Khris Dodge

More Info / Registration

Food for Thought

A Lunch Series

Nourish your intellect while you savor the innovative New American cuisine at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.

 Series Host: Paul Fisher, an accomplished researcher, performer and award-winning educator known for his unique introductions and informative lectures.

The Quake that Drained the Desert  - Oct 19

The Quake that Drained the Desert – Oct 19

On May 3, 1887, an earthquake struck near the U.S.-Mexico border, changing two rivers and draining the aquifer. Hear the story of an American doctor and a Mexican engineer who went in search of the epicenter.

Monday, Oct 19
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Mary Reynolds

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Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe - Nov 9

Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe – Nov 9

Explore the cultural roots of one of the world’s most iconic artists as you trace Frida Kahlo’s life from Mexico City to the isthmus of Tehuantepec, uncovering the places, people, textiles and traditions that shaped her unmistakable style.

Monday, Nov 9
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Robyn Waters

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Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe - Nov 16

Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe – Nov 16

Explore the cultural roots of one of the world’s most iconic artists as you trace Frida Kahlo’s life from Mexico City to the isthmus of Tehuantepec, uncovering the places, people, textiles and traditions that shaped her unmistakable style.

Monday, Nov 16
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Robyn Waters

More Info / Registration
The Long Christmas Dinner - Dec 7

The Long Christmas Dinner – Dec 7

Playwright Thornton Wilder breaks the boundaries of time as we measure it, and invites us to partake of “one long, happy Christmas dinner”-past, present and future. Enjoy selected readings of this iconic work by two of Tucson’s favorite theatre professionals.

Monday, Dec 7
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Cynthia Meier and Joseph McGrath

More Info / Registration
The Long Christmas Dinner - Dec 14

The Long Christmas Dinner – Dec 14

Playwright Thornton Wilder breaks the boundaries of time as we measure it, and invites us to partake of “one long, happy Christmas dinner”-past, present and future. Enjoy selected readings of this iconic work by two of Tucson’s favorite theatre professionals.

Monday, Dec 14
11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Cynthia Meier and Joseph McGrath

More Info / Registration