World Percussion for Global Jazz

PSGJ-375

Please note: this course is for performance majors who are accepted in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute only. This unique BGJI course focuses on binary (2/4, 4/4) and ternary (6/8, 12/8) rhythm structures from Ghana and (time-permitting) South Indian metric concepts. Includes hands-on playing of ensemble instruments (bells, shakers, drums), singing traditional songs, and developing heightened independence using “harmonic time” (HT).

Harmonic time is a 3-tiered body orchestration: first, stepping to the pulse while wearing ankle bells; second, setting up counter clapping/sticking patterns; and third, speaking African and Indian vocal patterns to internalize musical time, groove, and mathematics. This method allows one to “feel” how parts combine rather than relying on the intellect for only “hearing” combinations.

Credits
2
Prerequisites
Written approval of course chair
Required Of
None
Electable By
PERF majors
Major Elective for
Performance
Semesters Offered
Spring
Location
Boston
Department
PERF
Course Chair
Marco Pignataro
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.