T410 Second Summer Session

The Music of India (3 cr.)

Prof. L. Rowell

1:30-2:20 PM Daily Room M267

An introduction to the music and musical traditions of the Indian subcontinent: raga and tala (melody and rhythm) in modern Hindustani and Karnatak music, instruments, drumming, singing and song styles, aesthetic principles, performance practice, social/cultural contexts, and traditions of teaching and learning. The course will also examine music for dance and the theater, sacred chant, folk and tribal musics, and the philosophical, religious, and literary backgrounds for Indian music. Because of its practical approach, T410 will be relatively light on reading but will make extensive use of audio and video recordings featuring some of India's greatest performing artists; the course listening reserves will be available on-line. Grading will be based on a take-home midterm examination and a final examination. The course does not require a reading knowledge of Western staff notation and is therefore open also to non-music majors, especially ethnomusicology and India Studies students. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.