In other words, music is about more than just sounds, instruments, melodies, and harmonies. Those elements matter, but they are only the surface description of the music. They help us understand what we are hearing, but not the its meaning or importance. This is expressed in a quote by John Schechter in his book Music in Latin American Culture: Regional Traditions. In the introduction to the book he states “What is important about music is its meaning to humans – the significance music has for people, not its formal structure, complexity, or other factors…music is not a thing unto itself but derives it’s importance as a form of cultural expression. (Schechter 15)
This assignment will help you further explore theses connections by understanding the components of a musical genre as well as its connection the culture and place in which it is produced and consumed.
Student Learning Outcomes and Profiles of Learning
Through completing this assignment students will address the following Statewide General Education Core Competencies:
Recognize the extent and impact of diversity among individuals, cultures, or societies in contemporary or historical contexts (STGEC 5.5)
Analyze and evaluate texts, objects, events, or ideas in their cultural context (STGEC 6.3)
Develop arguments about forms of human agency or expression grounded in rational analysis and in an understanding of and respect for cultural contexts (STGEC 6.6)
Analyze diverse narratives and evidence in order to explore the complexity of human experience across space and time (STGEC 6.7)
This assignment also addresses the following IUPUI Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success.
Communicator
Evaluates information
Conveys ideas effectively
Problem Solver
Thinks critically
Innovator
Investigates
Community Contributor
Respectfully engages own and other cultures
Assignment Description
Students will choose one specific genre of music to research in depth. Students will explore the music from a variety of perspectives including the cultural and historical context, musical style and form, representative instruments and artists, as well as local and global impact.
The genre chosen should be one that we have not covered in the class. Students are encouraged, but not required to chose a genre that is not connected to their own personal culture. Doing so will allow for a more objective approach to the paper.
Mechanics/Formatting
Please follow the guidelines below when submitting your concert report.
Paper Length:
Minimum of 1000 words
Document file name:
Compose your report as a Word document and upload it to the Assignment.
Please save your document with your name and assignment title before uploading
Example: John Doe World Music Research Paper.docx
Cover Page should be formatted as follows:
Your Name
Course name and section number
Title of paper
Word Count
Language/Grammar
Good, college-level, academic writing is expected
Writing should be clear, easy to follow, and grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
Writing should avoid a conversational tone and be free of jargon, sarcasm, slang, etc.
Grading Criteria/Rubric
To receive full credit, your paper must include the following:
1. Basic information about the country of origin of the genre of music. (50 points)
Geography
Population
Dominant religion/cultural traditions
Languages
Any significant customs or traditions, especially those related to music.
2. Describe the characteristics and history of the music. (50 points)
How has the music developed over time?
Description of the defining musical elements (rhythm, melody, texture/tone, form)
How and where the music is typically performed?
3. Connections between the music and the culture and the larger global context. (50 points)
What cultural values are expressed through the music?
In what ways has the music impacted the culture in which it is created?
In what ways have historical events helped shape the musical genre?
What impact has the music had beyond the culture in which it was created?
4. Identify and depict at least 1 instrument associated with this genre. (50 points)
Include a picture of the instrument.
What materials are the instruments made out of?
How is the instrument played?
What family does the instrument fit into using the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system (see your textbook, Chapter 6, pages 63-72)
Other background information about the instrument.
5. Discuss one representative musical artist and song that is closely associated with this genre. (50 points)
Brief summary of the artist and their music.
Discuss how they are connected to the music culture of their country.
Discuss any larger global impact they have had.
Provide at a YouTube or Spotify link to at least one musical example from this artist and genre.
Brief description of the song and its connection to the genre.
6. General mechanics and formatting of the paper. (25 points)
Minimum of 1000 words
Correct Cover Page Format (see above)
Bibliography with at least two sources (not Wikipedia)
7. Overall writing and grammar. (25 points)
Correct spelling.
Grammatically correct, college level writing
Clear, academic language free of slang, jargon, or vernacular/conversational language.