A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts Vol. 1

A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts Vol. 1

Author: Meki Nzewi

Publisher: African Minds

Published: 2007-12

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1920051627

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Volume 1 - The Root: Foundation Modern literacy education in African music has hitherto focused more on observed context studies. The philosophical rooting and the psychological and therapeutic force that ground African indigenous musical arts have not been much discerned or integrated. Much needed in contemporary education, then, are integrative studies and literature materials that represent the intellectual base of the knowledge owners and creators, and which will ensure cognitive understanding of the indigenous musical arts systems of Africa. There is as yet no comprehensive, learner-centred book that fosters African indigenous knowledge perspectives and rationalisation about the musical arts. The concern over the years has been for the production of research-informed books for modern, systematic education in African musical arts that derive in essence from the original African intellectual perspectives about the sense and meaning of music - indigenous to contemporary. The five volumes of the musical arts study series derive from 36 years of research and analytical studies in African musical arts. The volumes address the pressing need for learning texts informed by the indigenous African musical arts systems that target tertiary education. The texts incorporate knowledge of conventional European classical music as they relate to the unique features of African musical arts thinking and theoretical content. The contemporary African musical arts specialist needs secure grounding in his/her own human-cultural knowledge authority in order to contribute with original intellectual integrity to African as well as global scholarship discourse and knowledge creation.


The African Imagination in Music

The African Imagination in Music

Author: Victor Kofi Agawu

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 389

ISBN-13: 0190263202

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The world of Sub-Saharan African music is immensely rich and diverse, containing a plethora of repertoires and traditions. In The African Imagination in Music, renowned music scholar Kofi Agawu offers an introduction to the major dimensions of this music and the values upon which it rests. Agawu leads his readers through an exploration of the traditions, structural elements, instruments, and performative techniques that characterize the music. In sections that focus upon rhythm, melody, form, and harmony, the essential parts of African music come into relief. While traditional music, the backbone of Africa's musical thinking, receives the most attention, Agawu also supplies insights into popular and art music in order to demonstrate the breadth of the African musical imagination. Close readings of a variety of songs, including an Ewe dirge, an Aka children's song, and Fela's 'Suffering and Smiling' supplement the broader discussion. The African Imagination in Music foregrounds a hitherto under-reported legacy of recordings and insists on the necessity of experiencing music as sound in order to appreciate and understand it fully. Accordingly, a Companion Website features important examples of the music discussed in detail in the book. Accessibly and engagingly written for a general audience, The African Imagination in Music is poised to renew interest in Black African music and to engender discussion of its creative underpinnings by Africanists, ethnomusicologists, music theorists and musicologists.


African Polyphony and Polyrhythm

African Polyphony and Polyrhythm

Author: Simha Arom

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1991-07-18

Total Pages: 700

ISBN-13: 052124160X

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An original approach to the understanding of the complete and sophisticated patterns of polyphony and polyrhythm of African music.


Representing African Music

Representing African Music

Author: Kofi Agawu

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-04-23

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 1317794060

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The aim of this book is to stimulate debate by offering a critique of discourse about African music. Who writes about African music, how, and why? What assumptions and prejudices influence the presentation of ethnographic data? Even the term "African music" suggests there is an agreed-upon meaning, but African music signifies differently to different people. This book also poses the question then, "What is African music?" Agawu offers a new and provocative look at the history of African music scholarship that will resonate with students of ethnomusicology and post-colonial studies. He offers an alternative "Afro-centric" means of understanding African music, and in doing so, illuminates a different mode of creativity beyond the usual provenance of Western criticism. This book will undoubtedly inspire heated debate--and new thinking--among musicologists, cultural theorists, and post-colonial thinkers. Also includes 15 musical examples.


African Music

African Music

Author: Francis Bebey

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: 1999-08-01

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 161374661X

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Engaging and enlightening, this guide explores African music's forms, musicians, instruments, and place in the life of the people. A discography classified by country, theme, group, and instrument is also included.


A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts: The stem : growth

A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts: The stem : growth

Author: Meki Nzewi

Publisher: African Minds

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 1920051635

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The 1st three volumes present material in a modular approach. Each volume presents progressively more advanced concepts in the categories: musical structure and form, factors of music appreciation, music instruments, music and society, research project, musical arts theatre, school songs technique, and performance. The 4th volume is a collection of essays. The 5th volume contains printed music.


The Mbira

The Mbira

Author: Mahealani Uchiyama

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

Published: 2021-09-14

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 1623176492

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An introductory guide to the mbira: the spiritual traditions, historical perspectives, and practical applications of a sacred Zimbabwean instrument. In this accessible overview steeped in history and tradition, teacher and student Māhealani Uchiyama offers insights for learning about the mbira and actively engaging with it in an informed and respectful way. The mbira is made of a wooden soundboard and hammered metal keys. It can be played solo or accompanied by singing, clapping, dancing, percussion, or other mbira. In traditional Zimbabwean culture, the mbira is a spiritual practice that bridges worlds: for example, the realm of the ancestors and of healing energies with the worlds of the living. Supplemented with 32 images and glossary of terms, this book helps readers understand: • The mbira’s special roles within the lamellaphone instrument family • Relevant Zimbabwean and African cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives • Ways the mbira can become a connection point for people severed from their African roots • How appropriation and commodification have contributed to the mbira’s popularization around the world • Codes of conduct for respectfully playing the mbira and for taking it up as a practice


The Music of Africa

The Music of Africa

Author: J. H. Kwabena Nketia

Publisher:

Published: 1974

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13:

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The study of African music is a study at once of unity and diversity. The range of indigenous musical resources and practices found on this vast continent is as wide and varies as its topography. In this informative and highly readable book, Professor Nketia provides an overview of the musical traditions of Africa with respect to their historical, cultural, and social background, their organization and practice, and delineates the most significant aspects of musical style.


A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts: Theory and practice of modern African classical drum music

A Contemporary Study of Musical Arts: Theory and practice of modern African classical drum music

Author: Meki Nzewi

Publisher: African Minds

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 1920051686

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The 1st three volumes present material in a modular approach. Each volume presents progressively more advanced concepts in the categories: musical structure and form, factors of music appreciation, music instruments, music and society, research project, musical arts theatre, school songs technique, and performance. The 4th volume is a collection of essays. The 5th volume contains printed music.