- Year of study: One semester, autumn and/or spring
- Final assessment: Assessment from course coordinator
- Language of instruction: Norwegian/English
Course description
In this course, the students will learn about traditional Balinese music. The course provides students with experience in ensemble performance and knowledge of Balinese performance practices. The music is learned by ear and memorized. The gamelan ensemble meets for eight sessions of 120 minutes each throughout one semester, concluding with a concert.
Participants can choose to enroll for one or two semesters as desired. Select GAMELAN20 for the fall semester and GAMELAN21 for the spring semester. Each course is 2 ECTS per semester.
The course is open to all instrumentalists.
Course Coordinator: Brass, Woodwind and Percussion Department
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, it is expected that the student:
- Can play traditional Balinese music by ear
- Is familiar with various styles of Balinese music
- Has insight into basic Balinese music theory
- Understands the cultural background of Balinese gamelan music
Overview
This course provides students with the opportunity to become acquainted with a non-European music founded on principles different from our own. Such experiences also provide valuable knowledge and skills in relation to one's own music traditions.
Experience playing in a gamelan ensemble is beneficial for all types of musicians and presents unique challenges in terms of ensemble playing, rhythmic precision, and the ability to learn by ear and by heart. Understanding the structure and organization of the music is essential to be able to play together in such an ensemble. Traditionally, this music is orally transmitted, as is the case with folk music worldwide, but what is unique about Balinese music in this context is that it is not improvised, but fully composed.
The music is played on metallophones, gongs, and drums, but gamelan music is not just for percussionists. In such an ensemble, there are tasks that require various types of skills. Many of the roles can be mastered by musicians without percussion skills because they are not technically demanding, even though they are musically significant. Therefore, the course is open to all instrumentalists
Structure
The teaching (120 minutes times eight) is organized as lectures, listening sessions, and rehearsal/practice.
Course requirements
- Participation in the scheduled lessons is compulsory. Absence of more than 20% will normally lead to failure of the course.
- The course includes participation in one concert
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment. Students are assessed in correspondence to the learning outcomes of the course. The final assessment will be given as a mark of “passed”/”failed” for each individual student, which shall be determined on the basis of her or his level demonstrated through the course work.
New assessment
Students failing the course will have to apply to re-follow the course for a new assessment. Students may only re-follow the course if there are available places.