Musical analysis

  1. Choose from one of the regions we have studied this quarter. Next, pick a case
    study, which can be an artist, performer, composer, group, social class, type,
    style, or genre of music etc. within this culture. [identify]
  2. Consult outside sources about the music-culture. [research]
  3. Write about one topic area from the list below, one that demonstrates core ideas
    about your case study and perhaps region. Your paper should follow a traditional
    format: introduction, main body with supporting evidence, and conclusion.
    (Plagiarism will result in an automatic zero and possible disciplinary action taken
    at the University level.) [explain, explicate, analyze, synthesize]
    Topic Area (you will find descriptions of most of these terms in Chapter 1)
    a. Musical analysis: rhythm and meter; melody; scale, modes, raga or pitch
    organization; form; improvisation vs. composition; performance practice
    b. Ideas about music: belief system, aesthetics, social contexts, history
    c. Repertories of music: style; genre; texts; composition; transmission; movement
    d. Material culture of music: instruments, materials, vocal expression, types of
    “sounds” that are valued in the community/culture
    e. Identity: community, regional/local identity, tradition, representation, gender,
    alterity, language/dialect, national(ism)

Sample Solution