MUS2480

Performance studies: Indonesian gamelan

A Scott-Maxwell

8 points - 4 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives By the end of the semester, students undertaking the subject should have a basic knowledge of the main principles, concepts and performance techniques of Javanese gamelan music, dance and theatre terminology, the historical, cultural and social contexts of the gamelan performing arts, and performance ability on all the core instruments of the gamelan. They should also have knowledge of Javanese, as opposed to Western, approaches to playing and understanding Javanese music.

Synopsis This introductory subject acquaints students with the basic theory and practice of Javanese gamelan and its relationship to Javanese society, culture and moving arts including dance and theatre. It includes the study of ensembles, tuning and modal systems, musical structure and form, transmission and sociology of performance, and performance theory, and develops aurally-based performance skills. Students are required to practice unsupervised for at least one hour per week.

Assessment Essay (2000 words): 30% - Written assignments: 10% - Performance assessment and concert: 60%

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