Academic Courses in East Asian Music at Wesleyan
Introduction to East Asian Music (MUSC112/EAST112)
This course introduces selected musical traditions of China and/or Japan as performed and transmitted both in East Asia and abroad. Special attention is paid to the relationship of music to broader cultural and historical trends.
Music and Modernity in China, Japan and Korea (MUSC 261/EAST 268)
This course examines the relationships between music and modernity in China, Japan, and Korea, and the interactions between the impact of Western music and nationalism and contemporary cultural identities. In particular, it explores the historical significance of the Meiji Restoration on Japanese music tradition, the Japanese influence on Chinese School Songs, the origins of contemporary music in China, Japan, and Korea, the adaptation and preservation of traditional music genres, and the rise of popular music and the music industry. We will focus on the cultural conflicts encountered by East Asian musicians and composers, and their musical explorations and experiments in searching of national and individual identities in the processes of nation-building and modernization. The course aims to provide knowledge on East Asian music genres, insight on the issues of global/local cultural contacts, and a better understanding of music’s central role in political and social movements in twentieth century East Asia.
Chinese Music Ensemble (MUSC428/EAST428)
The class will meet once a week for two hours. We will learn both traditional and contemporary instrumental pieces of Chinese music, as well as different regional styles. The ensemble will present a concert at the end of each semester. Attendance for the class is mandatory.
Korean Drumming Ensemble (MUSC429/EAST429)
The class will meet once a week for two hours. We will learn Korean traditional percussion music. Students will learn how to play Jang Goo, the most essential percussion instrument in Samulnori. The ensemble will present a concert at the end of each semester. Attendance for theclass is mandatory.
Private Music Lessons for Declared Music Majors and Non-Music Majors
Ishigure, Masayo – Koto
Wong, Susan C. – Chinese Instruments
Wang, Guowei – Erhu
Yook, Sangmin – Korean Drumming
