This introductory world music digital course is perfect for sharing with students the unique music found in several different countries and cultures throughout the world. The overall goal of this course is to expose and have the student experience different cultures and music and how the two are intertwined. The first three chapters take us through the basic components of music that all music shares. There is no previous music background needed. The remaining chapters focus on one specific culture at a time. Several embedded pictures and videos along with links to other musical examples are present in each chapter. This course is a great way to create that spark of interest in which the student can then "jump down the rabbit hole" and explore on their own.
Dr. Gifford Howarth is currently Associate Professor of Percussion at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg, located in Bloomsburg, PA. His previous teaching duties included teaching at Michigan State University, and Nazareth College (Rochester, NY). Dr. Howarth received his DMA degree from Michigan State University, his Masters from Kent State University, and his Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College. He has presented clinics and workshops throughout the US, Canada, Asia, and Europe. These include teaching in Singapore, China, Thailand, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Malaysia. He has also presented at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), several MENC All-State Conferences, and PAS Day of Percussion events. The focus for most of the workshops is geared around percussion education. Through two separate sabbatical projects, Dr. Howarth has traveled to and experienced the local music in Bali, Indonesia, Dublin, Ireland, Shanghai, China, and Kyoto, Japan, along with classical Indian and Chinese music taking place in Singapore, Singapore. Dr. Howarth is a National Yamaha Performing Artist, and a Signature Artist for the Vic Firth Company.
Chapter 1: The Components of Music Part 1—Pitch and Melody
Chapter 2: The Components of Music Part 2—Rhythm, Musical Phrase, Musical Form
Chapter 3: The Components of Music Part 3—Instrument Categories, What Is Sound, and Music’s Pairing with Others
Chapter 4: Gamelan Music of Indonesia
Chapter 5: Musical Conversation of West Africa
Chapter 6: The Importance and Influence of Afro-Cuban Music
Chapter 7: Traditional Irish Music and Dance
Chapter 8: Classical Indian Music
Chapter 9: Chinese Traditional Music
Chapter 10: Traditional Music of Japan
Chapter 11: Music of the Middle East