MUSC
118: World Music Ensemble
Spring 2008
Instructor: Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury
Meetings: Fridays 1-2:50 p.m., Ferguson A201
Office Hours: MW 10-11:30, T & Th (by appt.)
Textbook:
Highly recommended: The Rags of North Indian Music, N.A.
Jairazbhoy, Popular Prakashan, 1971 (http://apsara-media.com/books.html/)
or
books by David Courtney, Fundamentals of Tabla, Elementary North
Indian Vocal; see http://www.chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/
Course Overview:
This 1
credit course is a performance based introduction to North Indian classical and
semi-classical music. The student will learn the basics of the melodic structure
of Indian music (ragas) and the rhythmic structure (talas). No prior experience
is necessary. The student will also learn a limited number of compositions
based on these melodic and rhythmic patterns, including the music of
Rabindranath Tagore, known as RabindraSangeet. This musical genre fuses
classical modes with folk traditions of Bengal, a province in eastern India. An
Indian musical notation will be used in this course (akarmatrik swaralipi). The
basic introduction to all compositions will be through singing.
Students who are proficient
with an appropriate musical instrument are welcome to bring it and infuse it
into the group’s performances. Instruments that are most suitable include –
sitar, sarangi, tabla, violin, flute, tambourine, keyboard (electronic), harp
(small) etc. There is much flexibility in adapting the pieces we shall learn to
the students’ individual styles and tastes.
Class will be conducted in
traditional Indian style, sitting on the floor. You may wish to bring a
personal mat to sit on, there is only a basic carpet covering the floor in our
rehearsal room. Please see the instructor if you have a disability that
prevents you from sitting on the floor.
Performances:
Wednesday, November 28, 7:30 P.M., Music and Theatre Hall (full concert).
There are going to be Indian music concerts in the area, hosted by Sangeet
Sargam, a non-profit local music organization. We shall attend one or two of
these concerts during the semester. They are usually on Sunday evenings, are $5
for students and are held on ODU campus.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Any student
who attains more than three absences from a course that meets three or more
times per week, who attains more than two absences from a course that meets
twice per week, or who attains more than one absence from a course that meets
once per week will automatically receive a grade of “F” in the course. In
compliance with the University Catalog, the only excused absences are extended
illnesses verified by a physician, university sponsored activities documented
before the absence, and extreme emergencies documented and presented to the
instructor no later than the end of the next class.
CNU Ensemble Grading
Rubric (for full details download the syllabus)
The
following standards have been established as a general guideline for all CNU
ensembles. Each instructor may have additional requirements that affect the
final grade.
Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. All CNU ensembles adhere to the departmental attendance policy. Late arrival, early departure, and absence from rehearsals and performances may affect the final grade, as determined by the instructor.