Examines folk, popular, and art musical traditions
from around the world with a special focus on the
Andes, Ireland, Indonesia, Ghana, and India.
Drawing on historical and visual sources,
recordings, and contemporary ethnography, the
course develops interpretive skill sets for
analyzing the sound structures, performance
contexts, and cultural significance of music in
rituals, festivals, politics, schools, recording
studios, cinema, the internet, and global stages.
In addition to learning about key topics in the
field of ethnomusicology, we engage with
traditions firsthand through an ethnographic
assignment in Portland and a weekly workshop with
performance faculty on campus. Organized into
three small-group sessions, the workshops
introduce music and dance from Indonesia, Ghana,
Zimbabwe, Spain, Latin America, and/or North
India. Specific content may change from year to
year.