World Music History and Ensemble

Catalog description

The course includes a survey and hands-on instrumental experimentation with world music including African, Brazilian, African-American, Native American, Latin American, Indian, and South Asian styles. Students attend a formal lecture and a practice or performance session each week. During the latter session, students learn to play (primarily African) percussion instruments, coming to view them as the first building blocks of much larger units of ethnic, folk, traditional, or popular ensembles. The course raises student awareness of corresponding songs and traditions; links history, tradition, music, and culture; and introduces students to the contribution of a wide range of cultures to the music world and to the widespread belief that music is a universal language. Students perform as a class or an ensemble on set show-and-tell occasions that may be open to invited guests and/or the University community. No previous musical experience is required.