African Music and Dance Ensemble (MUSI10148)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Summer Term
Semester 1
Semester 2
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This subject introduces students to music and dance in West Africa. Through weekly rehearsals culminating in an end-of-semester performance, students learn to perform traditional rhythmic patterns using drums, bells, and their bodies; students also have the opportunity to learn traditional dance steps. Weekly lectures place West African music and dance within their cultural and historical contexts.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • perform basic rhythmic patterns in West African traditional music and dance;
  • work cooperatively as a dancer and instrumentalist in a West African percussion ensemble;
  • demonstrate basic competency as a performer of music and dance traditions from West Africa;
  • identify and describe the cultural and historical significance of music and dance in West African societies.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed:

  • an openness to new ideas about music;
  • the ability to work cooperatively in a music ensemble;
  • the capacity to think critically and independently as a musician;
  • an informed understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Last updated: 9 April 2025