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The Course  

In 2005 and 2006 I ran a 'lifelong learning' course through the auspices of the Centre for Lifelong Learning (a very high quality adult education provider, part of the University of Sunderland, physically based in Newcastle, offering courses throughout the region).

It was very successful with very high attendance rates and most of the students returning for a second term. However gamelan is a hard thing to sell to those who have never heard of it so it was always a struggle to get the numbers that we needed to be able to run the course. As a result it is now 'on hold' - but if I find sufficient people who want to take the course I will run it again.

If you are interested please let me know and once I have sufficient names I will try to organise suitable dates.

A Practical Introduction to Javanese Gamelan Music  

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of the course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to play an instrument in each of the three main categories (melodic, punctuating, ornamenting)
  • Play effectively as part of an ensemble responding appropriately to drum signals and demonstrating listening and performance skills
  • Define and deploy a range of Javanese Gamelan terminology and utilise this to describe key concepts of the music and its context

CONTENT SYNOPSIS:

The aim of this course is to provide a hands on introduction to the music of central Java.

Through playing a number of authentic Javanese pieces of music, the participants will discover the differences and similarities between Javanese and Western music. The history, philosophy and context of Javanese music will be introduced. In particular the ideas of 'refinement' and 'restraint' as they apply both to music and as a way of life will be discussed.

The 'kepatihan' notation system will be described and used throughout the course. The concepts of laras (scale), pathet (mode) and irama (tempo) will be introduced.

The role and playing technique of each of the instruments will be covered. The different styles and structures of Javanese music will be explained, and the group will learn to play pieces of music in several common forms.

The Gamelan is ideally suited to a mixed ability group - each piece of music has instrumental parts which are simple enough to be played by an absolute beginner, while the study of the complex ornamentation patterns on the softer instruments in slow tempi can be a lifetime's work. The choice of repertoire will be made to suit the group, and appropriate parts provided to suit each individual's level.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:

The learning outcomes of the course will be achieved by the following teaching methods:

  • Demonstration of playing techniques and direct support in acquiring these techniques.
  • Rehearsal of pieces of music as a group.
  • Exercises to develop listening and ensemble skills.
  • Written examples to demonstrate how each instrument's part can be derived from the basic melody for each 'form'.
  • Directed informal discussion to cover key concepts and the philosophy behind the music.
  • Written handouts summarising the main points.