Music Cultures of the World

Overview

This subject introduces students to the classical, folk and popular music of selected communities in Asia, Africa, and America. Elements of the musical system or style, such as scale, melody, meter, rhythm, timbre, form, texture and the musical concepts of different cultures are compared. The music is linked to the social contexts and other aspects of culture and historical changes in the selected regions and countries. This subject introduces students to the creative power of people in the selected regions. It teaches students to appreciate music and musical instruments they are not familiar with, giving them the possibility of using them in their own compositions.

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the structures and styles of the classical, folk and syncretic music of different parts of the world
2. Perform guided research on the music of selected communities
3. Present research findings on the musical styles of non-European classical music in relation to their historical and cultural contexts