Music of Diverse Cultures Autobiography

I have had little experience when it comes to music of cultures outside of my own. Most of the music that I am familiar with are European art music, pop music, and jazz. I always considered this a pretty well-rounded musical background for my music study but it's always important to understand different arts around the world as well.

My knowledge was strengthened a few months ago when my general music teacher had everyone do a presentation on music of a culture of their choice. I choose South African music with a particular emphasis on the Zulu tribe. The Zulu folk music that I took the most interest in was a vocal style known as isicathamiya. This vocal style is made up of an all male chorus where one person will sing and melody and the full chorus will alternate with that person (call and response). A popular group around the world is called Ladysmith Black Mambazo and are prime examples of the isicathamiya style. Most music within the Zulu culture are vocal with little instrumental accompaniment (such as by a whistle or bow). Over all, this was an exciting project that allowed me to become more culturally aware.

I also had a small portion of Music of the world in an undergraduate music history class. This was only for about 2 weeks and the only thing I can remember is Native American music.

I guess another portion of cultural music would be a great deal of the repertoire performed in the different wind ensembles I have played with. I touched on many different cultural styles in jazz band as well (ex. Latin Jazz).

Other than the presentation and short discussions in music classes, I have little experience with music of other cultures. However I have always enjoyed listening to music recordings from cultural movies such as the soundtrack to Braveheart (Scottish music). Another piece i enjoyed listening to was the opening to The Boondock Saints (Irish Music).