COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, we will explore the contributions of West African musical traditions to a variety of American musical styles, as well as the eventual return and influence of American music on selected contemporary West African music. Through readings, discussion, and listening to music, we will investigate the origins of the introduction of West African instruments, rhythms, and forms to music in the Americas, the development of major American musical styles such as Afro-Cuban, Jazz, Gospel, R-n-B, Pop, and Hip Hop, and the ways in which those styles have ultimately influenced selected West African musical traditions.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical context surrounding the development of West African influences in music of the Americas (including music of the Caribbean) and the subsequent influences of those styles on contemporary West African music.
- Identify rhythmic, melodic, and formal elements of West African traditional music in a variety of musical genres in the Americas (including music of the Caribbean).
- Perform basic rhythmic and melodic patterns found in a variety of West African music and music of the Americas (including music of the Caribbean).
- Identify and characterize elements of musical styles of the Americas (including music of the Caribbean) that have returned to be incorporated into West African culture.
- Discuss the importance of the West African influence on music in the “New World” and its eventual return to the motherland.
- Application Deadline: March 15
- NO Spanish Requirement
- Number of Credits: 3
- Number of Weeks: 5
- Course Begins: May 22, 2023
- Course Ends: June 26, 2023
ABOUT THE COURSE LEADERS
Dr. Peter McCoy teaches Music courses in music technology, instrumental music, and general music. He has taught in public and private schools, performed, conducted, and adjudicated nationally since 1985. Dr. McCoy received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Iowa State University and the Master of Music and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University. He is a regular presenter and clinician at national and regional conferences on the topics of technology in music education, classroom-based composing, and portfolio development. Dr. McCoy regularly leads students on study-abroad experiences in Cuba, Ghana, India, and México. He currently chairs the Music Education Department at SUNY Potsdam.
Luz Esther López Jiménez is a Cuban Full Professor with 21 years of experience in Higher Education and is currently the Coordinator and Supervisor of Art Education Program at La Universidad de Cienfuegos. She also teaches the subject Artistic Training I and II. She has specialized in different fields such as the teaching of Music Education, the Language of Music, Cuban Music (designed for SUNY Potsdam students), Choral Direction and Practice, and Panorama of Cuban Culture.
Professor López Jiménez has published several scientific articles in the scientific journals of the University of Cienfuegos. She has been published in Volume I of the book entitled, History, Heritage, and Arts. She is the recipient of the Provincial Distinction to Scientific Research Award. Professor López Jiménez graduated with a major in Music Education from the Higher Technical Institute of Cienfuegos and a master’s and doctoral degree in Pedagogical Sciences from La Universidad de Cienfuegos.
Giraldo Pérez Calderón is an Assistant professor of Cuban Music and Sociocultural Management at the University of Cienfuegos. Pérez has participated in the International Meeting, Presence of Pablo Freire as a speaker. He was Director of the Provincial Center of Music in Cienfuegos. He has participated as executive president of the Benny Moré International Festival. Professor Pérez taught Solfeggio, Harmony and Guitar in a Seminar for art instructors in Cienfuegos province. He worked at the University of Quito and Guaranda in the Republic of Ecuador.
In addition to being a professor, Pérez Calderón is also a professional guitar and double bass player. He is a member of the band Los Naranjos, declared a part of the cultural patrimony of Cienfuegos in 2018 at the 90th anniversary of the band’s founding. Professor Pérez Calderón has represented Cuba in Colombia along side relevant figures such as Ela Calvo, Mundito González, Nereida Naranjo, and Pablo Santa María. He participated in the Festival Las Escalas in Saint Nazaire, France. Pérez has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Sociocultural Studies. He is also trained in Cultural Management and International Humanitarian Law.
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