World Music

Title: Sombroso Artist: La Negra Tomasa Culture of Origin: Cuba Instrumentation:  Trumpets, congas, guitars, violin, string bass, voice Classification of instruments is a way in which to organize instruments based upon culture, sound produced, roles within an ensemble as well as many other forms of classification (Wade, 2013).  The idea of classification is important depending upon the method of classification being used.  For instance, in the ensemble above the classification of instruments aids in finding a mixture of instrumentation that will create an effective salsa band.  There is a rhythm section, a string section, a horn section, and a vocalist.  Other classifications of instruments such as the Sachs-Hornbostel system are used to help scholars and curators to identify, organize, and study instruments from around the world (Wade, 2013). Wade, B.C. (2013).  Thinking musically: Experiencing music, expressing culture.  New York: Oxf...

  (start at 11:38) Title: India Blue Artist: Ali Akbar Khan Culture of Origin: India Instrumentation: Sarod, Tamboura, and Tabla This piece is the perfect example of how world music can bridge the gap between ethnomusicology and music pedagogy.  Ethnomusicologists help to inform a culture or society of people about another culture's musical tastes and practices.  In this piece, there are several instruments used that would be foreign sounding to the western music listener.  Ethnomusicologists help to inform members of western society of music types of other cultures through educating music teachers in their teacher preparation programs and charging them with the importance of educating their students in the matter.  As Nettl states in his book, "The world of music has changed incredibly since the 1980s, and ethnomusicologists are recognized as having contributed to these changes, and sought as interpreters of what has happened.  Their wor...