UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
World Music Summer InstituteJune 20 - June 26, 2010
Curriculum
This program carries quarter units of Pass/No Pass UC credit.
The World Music Summer Institute is designed and directed by Professor Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje, chairperson of UCLA's Department of Ethnomusicology.View the daily program schedule here.
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 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 with basic skills on their instrument are also welcome. Although beneficial, knowledge of the Spanish language nor music reading skills are required. Students will need to provide their own instruments (i.e., acoustic guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, violin, trumpet, or harp). The course will focus on learning a selected repertory and applying a mariachi style and technique. The week will start by learning and identifying basic rhythmic and melodic patterns used in different mariachi song forms. The repertoire will depend on the students' playing ability but will include a traditional son Jalisciense, a jarabe, a polka, a ranchera and a bolero. A huapango may also be taught. Basic music fundamentals and mariachi music theory may be discussed. A history of the mariachi tradition, a discussion of the various song forms, performance practices, as well as some related DVDs may also be presented. Click here to learn about the instructor for this program.
Music of China
Who should apply? Mature students of all cultural backgrounds and music skill levels are welcome. No previous Chinese music experience is required. The course will focus on the various styles and techniques in performing instruments that comprise a Chinese music ensemble. The Chinese instruments that will be taught are di (bamboo flute), erhu (two string fiddle), yangqin (dulcimer), pipa (pear shaped lute), ruan (lute), sheng (pipe), and percussion instruments. Repertoire will include traditional and contemporary Chinese ensemble music. UCLA will provide the musical instruments if you do not have one. Basic music fundamentals and a brief history of Chinese music will also be presented. Click here to learn more about the instructor for the program.
Excursions
Program participants will have the opportunity to observe music making in action through visits to relevant Los Angeles communities.
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.