After a long two years adrift on the sea of Zoom, live classes have returned to Rhythmix’s theater and so has long-time favorite, Pete Elman, bringing a new music education series. “Sweet Harmony: The Great Vocal Groups 1950-1975” will explore 24 of the great singing groups from the days of doo-wop to the pop era over a six-week series of classes.

For Elman, some of the drive to teach this class comes from a sense of nostalgia: “I have these memories of being 10 years old on the beach in Cape Cod, listening to a little radio and marveling at how incredible these records are! I just love the fact that when these groups made their great records, they were in a zone, a zone of artistry and performance and magic that will last forever! Here it is 60 years later, and people still know them.”

Not only having grown up listening to the music of these vocal groups, but also having played with them in his performing career, Elman knew first-hand the talent involved in the creation of this indelible music that persists in our cultural consciousness through today. The enduring nature of this music and excellent artistry of the musicians inspired him to teach a course focusing on groups that aren’t exactly bands in the traditional sense and did not necessarily play instruments.

Sweet Harmony will showcase music and vocal groups across American popular music genres of the mid-1900’s, featuring The Drifters, the Isley Brothers, the Shirelles, the Pointer Sisters, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the Four Seasons, the Soul Stirrers, and many more.

As with his previous courses, Elman will use video and audio recordings as well as playing songs himself during classes on various instruments to explore the impact left by these vocal groups on the musical landscape of America. His goal, he says, is to “defuse and demystify rock & roll. [For example,] why do we get an emotional reaction from a chord progression or a rhythm?”

With a nod to choral harmonies, unique vocal arrangements and unmistakable and unforgettable trademark songs, this course promises to be much more than a trip down memory lane for attendees. “They’re gonna love it, they’re gonna feel something, and they’re gonna be glad they took it.” Elman says in parting and, indeed, his class promises to live up to his words!

Sweet Harmony: The Great Vocal Groups 1950-1975 takes place Thursdays through October 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works (2513 Blanding Ave.). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rhythmix.org/events/sweet-harmony.