Advanced World Percussion for Global Jazz

Course Number
PSGJ-575
Description

This graduate-level 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
None
Required Of
CPGJ graduate students
Electable By
CPGJ graduate students
Semesters Offered
Fall
Location
Boston
Department
BGJI
Course Chair
Marco Pignataro
Taught By
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.