curriculum

UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
World Music Summer Institute

June 22 - June 28, 2008

World Music Curriculum

Curriculum

The World Music Summer Institute is designed and directed by Professor Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje, chairperson of UCLA's Department of Ethnomusicology.

View a sample program layout.

About the Programs

Music of African Americans

Who should apply? Mature students of all cultural backgrounds and music skill levels who are interested in learning how to perform gospel, a musical genre that serves as the foundation for many commercially popular music vocalists in the United States. No previous experience is required. In addition to learning about various choral and solo repertoires, singers will be trained in several areas of vocal performance, including vocal improvisation, proper breathing technique, and vocal placement. Students will be taught how to develop their own unique sound and how to package themselves for a career as a professional singer. Instruction in music theory - harmony, melody, and rhythm -- will be covered. Click here to learn about the instructor for this program.

Music of Brazil

Who should apply? Mature students of all cultural backgrounds and music skill levels who are interested in learning Afro-Brazilian percussion are encouraged to join. No previous experience is required. Students will primarily learn to play the samba-reggae and samba-afro styles from Salvador da Bahia, and the batucada of Rio de Janeiro. Students will learn to play the various percussion instruments used in the blocos (large drum ensembles), percussion technique, rhythm, singing and movement. In addition to playing, students will learn the historical importance of Afro-Brazilian percussion groups and their deep connection to Brazil’s African heritage. Click here to learn about the instructor for this program.

Music of Korea

Who should apply? Mature students of all cultural backgrounds and music skill levels are welcome. No previous musical experience is required. UCLA will provide all instruments and materials. The course will focus on samulnori - the world-renowned traditional Korean percussion. Students will be introduced to and taught how to play the four instruments--changgo (hourglass drum), the buk (barrel drum), the kkwenguari (small gong) and jing (large gong)--used in traditional and modern rhythms. In addition, the class will explore Korean music theory. Students will be taught basic skills in reading and writing Korean traditional music notes. Click here to learn about the instructor for this program.

Music of Mexico

Who should apply? Mature students of all cultural backgrounds with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of mariachi music. However, beginners are also welcome. Students will need to provide their own instruments (i.e., guitar, violin, vihuela, guitarrón, trumpet, or harp).The course will focus on the various styles and techniques in performing instruments that comprise a mariachi ensemble. The repertoire will depend on the playing ability of students. If the class is comprised of primarily beginners, the week will be dedicated to the ranchera (the simplest songs in the mariachi repertoire), but the son jalisciense, huapango and bolero may also be taught. For intermediate and advanced students the curriculum would focus on the son jalisciense, huapango, bolero, and ranchera. For all levels, basic music fundamentals and mariachi music theory will be taught. The history of mariachi and a detailed discussion of the various song forms will also be presented. Click here to learn about the instructor for this program.

Excursions

Program participants will have the opportunity to observe music making in action through visits to relevant Los Angeles communities.

Click here to view a sample program layout.

Grades

Program participants will earn two units of UCLA academic course credit using the Pass/No Pass grading system. Letter grades will not be awarded for this program. Please note that your official transcript is not automatically sent to you. Click here to view more information about UCLA grading policies and how to acquire grade transcripts.