Introduces students to the discipline of ethnomusicology through readings and discussion of Bruno Nettl's Studies in Ethnomusicology. In conjunction with the text, the course also examines in some depth the music of Edo Period Japan, the music of the Navajos and the classical instrumental tradition of North India.
Music of India
The classical traditions of North and South India are explored extensively, focussing on instrumental and vocal styles, repertoires and improvisation with special reference to the concepts of raga and tala.
Traditions of Music Drama in Asia
Examination of important traditions of music drama in Asian cultures, with special attention to: Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Kathakali dance forms in India; Wayang Kulit (Shadow puppet theater), Wayang Wong (music drama) and Topeng (masked dance) in Indonesia; Peking Opera in China and Taiwan, and; Noh Drama, Kabuki Theater and Bunraku (puppet theater) in Japan.
Asian Modal Systems
Based, in part, on Harold Powers' profoundly important contribution to the study of modal concepts, this course explores the nature of modality across and within several musical cultures: Arab, Persian, Indian, Javanese, Chinese and Japanese. The theoretical systems of each culture are studied and area applied analytically to pieces within the repertoire of each culture.
Ragas and Talas
A close examination of the concepts of raga and tala as a generative grammars for composition and improvisation in North Indian (Hindustani) music. Many types of ragas and talas are analyzed in the context of various performance traditions drawing, in part, from descriptive models developed by Bharatamuni (Natyasastra, c. 200 AD), Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande (Kramik Pustak Malika, 1954-9), Walter Kaufmann (The Ragas of North India, 1968), and Nazir Jairazbhoy (The Rags of North Indian Music, 1971).
Advanced Indian Modal Improvisation
A course designed to offer advanced instruction in Indian musical performance to western musicians on western instruments. Alap and gat forms are studied in the context of several complex ragas and talas. Special attention is given to the rendering of Indian melodic ornamentation on western instruments. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Issues and Trends in American Music
Through presentations from many voices within and outside the Conservatory, readings and group discussions, the class will explore the dimensions of American music, learn something about various streams of musical activity in America, attempt to understand what is "American" about American music, consider the impact of regional and ethnic musical subcultures and "world music," grapple with the potential impact of technology and consider today's trends as indicators of the future. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Studio Instruction in sitar and modal improvisation
Weekly hour or half hour lessons are available through the Improvisation and Contemporary Improvisation programs
Offerings available to both Graduate and Undergraduate students:
Advanced Indian Modal Improvisation
A course designed to offer advanced instruction in Indian musical performance to western musicians on western instruments. Alap and gat forms are studied in the context of several complex ragas and talas. Special attention is given to the rendering of Indian melodic ornamentation on western instruments. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Issues and Trends in American Music
Through presentations from many voices within and outside the Conservatory, readings and group discussions, the class will explore the dimensions of American music, learn something about various streams of musical activity in America, attempt to understand what is "American" about American music, consider the impact of regional and ethnic musical subcultures and "world music," grapple with the potential impact of technology and consider today's trends as indicators of the future. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Studio Instruction in sitar and modal improvisation
Weekly hour or half hour lessons are available through the Improvisation and Contemporary Improvisation programs
A survey of the music cultures of Native America, Africa, the Middle East, India, Indonesia, China and Japan. Areas of emphasis include performance practice and repertoire, theoretical systems, and music in its cultural context. (Department of Music History)
Music of India
The classical traditions of North and South India are explored extensively, focussing on instrumental and vocal styles, repertoires and improvisation with special reference to the concepts of raga and tala. (Department of Music History)
Cultural History of India
A study of Indian culture from the pre-Vedic Indus River Valley Civilzation to the present, with emphasis on religious and philosophical systems (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam), literature (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Purana), arts (music, dance, miniature painting, sculpture), and architecture (Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic). (Department of the Liberal Arts)
Freshman Seminar: the Buddha
This course, designed to develop critical reading, writing and speaking skills, uses early Buddhist Scriptures as its focus. Translations and excerpts are read dealing with the life of the Buddha, the doctines of Morality, Meditation and Wisdom drawing from the Buddhacarita, the Dharmapada and other seminal works. (Department of the Liberal Arts)
Advanced Indian Modal Improvisation
A course designed to offer advanced instruction in Indian musical performance to western musicians on western instruments. Alap and gat forms are studied in the context of several complex ragas and talas. Special attention is given to the rendering of Indian melodic ornamentation on western instruments. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Issues and Trends in American Music
Through presentations from many voices within and outside the Conservatory, readings and group discussions, the class will explore the dimensions of American music, learn something about various streams of musical activity in America, attempt to understand what is "American" about American music, consider the impact of regional and ethnic musical subcultures and "world music," grapple with the potential impact of technology and consider today's trends as indicators of the future. (Department of Contemporary Improvisation)
Studio Instruction in sitar and modal improvisation
Weekly hour or half hour lessons are available through the Improvisation and Contemporary Improvisation programs