Music Around the World- Vermont Jazz Center Class

February 17, 2021 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ON-LINE: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm; February 17- April 21, tuition: $250

Instructor: Julian Gerstin

Everywhere, music is a vibrant part of human life, but music is not the same everywhere. There are thousands of musical styles, and people put them to hundreds of different uses.

In this class we’ll explore music in a variety of places — Andean Peru, Western Africa, Indonesia, New Guinea, Egypt, Bosnia, Cuba, the Caribbean island of Martinique, and perhaps others.

We’ll ask questions such as, “How does music create meaning? What is the relationship between composition, improvisation, and everything in between?

Does understanding a culture change the way we hear its music?” While this class is not about jazz per se, it will help you have a better understanding of musical life around the globe.

As much as possible over Zoom, we’ll make this an active participatory class, with clapping, songs, and discussion.

Julian is an ethnomusicologist who has worked extensively in the Caribbean, and with African and Caribbean musicians in the U.S.

He has taught this topic in college to roomfuls of recalcitrant college students who are only there for the credit, and he is raring to engage with people who want to listen to and talk about cool music.

Work exchange opportunities are available. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Registration questions and work exchange information:  ginger@vtjazz.org

All Other Inquiries: eugene@vtjazz.org

Private Lessons: Send summary of your musical background to vtjazz@gmail.com and we’ll match you with a qualified instructor.

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