Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Introduction to the theory and practice of Javanese gamelan and its relationship to Javanese and Balinese society, culture and performing arts, including dance and theatre. Ensembles, tuning and modal systems, musical structure and form, transmission and sociology of performance, and performance theory. Development of aurally-based performance skills.

Objectives

Students completing this unit should have a basic knowledge of the main principles, concepts and performance techniques of Javanese or Balinese 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 or Balinese, as opposed to Western, approaches to playing and understanding the music.

Assessment

Written work: 40% (2000 words)
Concert and performance: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Graeme Smith

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour practical performance class) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Music
Indonesian studies
Indonesian
Asian studies

Prerequisites

Prior experience in gamelan practice/theory plus audition