Music of Asia

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World music is a topic often neglected in composer study for many reasons. Firstly, there are so many European musical history periods and composers that we all want our children exposed to, and many times we don't know where to turn for resources in world music. The benefit of video sharing in our culture today allows us to glimpse music performances from around the world. This blog post is just a drop in the water of what is available to learn about the music of Asian countries. I hope you enjoy!

China

The focus of Chinese music can be centered on the amazing instruments found in ensembles. We had the opportunity to learn from a Chinese Music Cultural Society a few years ago and the way the performer read music fascinated me!


Her performance was on the guzheng, a Chinese instrument that has been around for centuries. 


Learn more and hear it played at this video:


Other important Chinese instruments are discussed in this entertaining video:


Specific composers of Chinese music can be found at this website (https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/greatest-chinese-composers/) You can take a deeper dive into the music of one of these composers and learn more about their life!

Japan

One of my favorite instruments from Japan is the Taiko drum. Watch this video to learn a little more about the history and performance:

Other instruments can be heard in this video of 25 Musical Instruments of Japan:

For a list of Japanese composers, see this website (https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/greatest-japanese-composers/) 

South Korea

A popular pianist composer from South Korea is Yurima. Many of my intermediate piano students love the song "A River Flows in You" composed by Yurima. If you search the song in YouTube you will find many versions of this piece and instruction videos on how to learn to play it on the piano! Here's a video of the composer playing several of his compositions:


A video like the list of multiple instruments of Japan can be found on YouTube at this link - 20 Musical Instruments of Korea (https://youtu.be/5XoPeBnugi0?si=8cNk6HjR1n3gmbzU) 

India

Bollywood music is the first thought that comes to my mind when thinking of music from India. If your student has never experienced a Bollywood music video have them enjoy this popular tune!

I love eating at our local Indian restaurant and the TV screens are always playing the popular Indian music videos! Although not a typical study in music history, Bollywood music is a big part of Indian culture.

Here is a video of ten interesting musical instruments of India:

There are so many more interesting instruments, composers, and traditions that can be found in Asia! I hope this helps you get started on your discovery!

If you are looking for a more complete guide of composer study with listening activities and biographies, check out Composer Study Companion! 



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