Music and the Environment

Our goals in this learning community will be to grow as musicians and thinkers through reading, writing, qualitative and quantitative research, performance, composition and studies of music theory. Our themes will include the effects of local geography, climate, plants and animals on music and musicians in various cultures (the physical environment), as well as the effects of our families, affiliative groups, towns, cities, nations, work and other aspects of the social environment. Students will be expected to pursue independent research projects, to present this work to their peers in the program, and to participate in practical exercises developing music theory, ear training, composition, performing and listening skills. We will study music critically, just as one studies books in some other academic disciplines.

During the fall, we will study music theory, a culture area in depth (perhaps Bali, South Africa or Australia), and examine pivotal issues in the field of ethnomusicology, such as social constructions of authenticity, insider/outsider dilemmas, nationalism and globalization. During the winter, we will pursue studies of at least one more culture area and examine other emerging issues in the field, perhaps including ethical issues, gender, and approaches to public health and environmental issues employing music and performance.

Students who are already active singer/songwriters or composers will be encouraged to complete a portfolio of new works each quarter. Less advanced musicians will concentrate on developing skills on two easy-to-play instruments useful for the study of melody and harmony -- the tin whistle and the ukulele. We will have one or two "house concerts" each week featuring group exercises and individual projects, a practical music workshop, and several meetings focusing on our academic work. Students will be encouraged to participate in the musical life of the college, play in ensembles, pursue private lessons at their own expense, and engage in public service work in the arts as part of their studies. No extensive previous systematic training in music is expected, but students must be willing to do significant amounts of BOTH academic and creative work, on their own and in groups.