Traditional Music in a Modern World
	Jerome Tagher

See other courses taught by Jérôme Tagher

Presentation
Throughout history music has been a means for people to gather, rejoice, mourn, express bliss, bitterness, or worship a big rock. If some of this is still true, it is also clear that many factors have changed the role of music today. Sounds and harmonies once considered characteristic to one small group have become available to and recognised by all. Traditional music has transcended the limits of its genre, colouring our perceptions of contemporary and popular music today as can be seen in the proliferation of the World Music concept, moving from local to global. The aim of this course is to introduce students to music from different ethnic backgrounds, study their origins and analyse their role in shaping the lives of listeners and musicians past and present.

Teaching objectives
To introduce students to traditional music from various English speaking ethnic groups in their historical context. To study the musical and technical aspects of these pieces of music. To focus on their evolution from their birth to the present day. To analyse their influence on the music industry today.

Format
One meeting weekly of 3 hours during 7 weeks.

Course content
In-class study of audio and visual material. Insights into the origins and musical characteristics of various pieces of music. Study of the past and present impact of these pieces of music.

Teaching methods
Short lectures on a given subject. In-class audition and study of music from various origins. Open-floor discussion about the studied topics, organised debates, etc…

Individual work
An essay based on topics studied in class. Students will be asked to make a presentation on a musical theme of their choosing.

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on their written and oral preparations and on their participation during the lessons.

Recommended level
This course is designed for students of all levels.

See other courses taught by Jérôme Tagher

last updated May 31, 2003

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