Travel back in time to the ancient Silk Road, where cross-cultural exchange between traders resulted in musical interactions between distinct cultures. In this course, we will discover the musical philosophies, aesthetics, traditions, and instruments that existed, migrated and developed throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe and still exist today. The course will also highlight the commonalities and differences shared by these distinct musical cultures. Students will also have the opportunity to learn and perform songs from some of the regions examined in this course.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• The Silk Road: A Musical Caravan (Album) 2002. Smithsonian, Available on Spotify

COURSE OUTLINE

• The origins and philosophy behind the Silk Road and the impact of trade on music.
• East and Central Asian musical traditions and instruments from countries such as China, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
• An introduction to West Asian musical traditions, including Persian classical music and instruments such as the ney and santur.
• The raga system in Indian classical music and instruments such as the sitar.
• How Asian and Mediterranean music influenced European music.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify the general musical philosophies, traditions and instruments from regions connected by the historical Silk Road.
2. Understand the historical and cultural exchange of music along the Silk Road.
3. Analyse the impact of cross-cultural influences on musical development in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.