Project: Let’s Explore World Music

 

Description:

In this project, you will create an informative PowerPoint (PP) featuring the music of a specific non-Western culture. (Note that the term “world music” in the context of this assignment refers to music that is not based in the Western tradition of music.

Something to consider when choosing your topic is to make sure it is a style of music that is still in existence and performed, so you will be able to find musical examples and address all of the required elements of the assignment. 

The PP should include the following:

  1. A summary of the chosen culture including a short history.
  2. A brief explanation of some beliefs and traditions of the culture.
  3. Description of the instruments used in that culture’s music.
  4. Explanation of the key attributes of the culture’s music, including melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, and form. (If the style of music you choose does not include one or more of these musical elements, then you need to explain why that musical element is not present in the music.)
  5. Specific introduction to one piece of music from the culture. Include at least three examples of the music, such as through linking to YouTube performances. Be sure to include a description of one of the musical examples.

The PP should include photos and video (either linked or embedded). Embedded photos and videos need to be cited.

The choice of world music must be a style of traditional music that is non-Western or not from the Western tradition of music. Do not choose styles of music from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, including jazz, folk, or any type of pop music (including hip hop). Also, reggae should not be chosen for this assignment. 

Sources must be valid, academic sources.  Do not use non-academic sources such as Wikipedia or About.com. The PP should not contain more than 15% direct quotes and direct quotes must be in quotation marks. Direct quotes and paraphrased material must be cited in the body of the text and in a source list at the end.

Note Well: A source list at the end is a requirement.