MUSE 161: World Percussion Instrumentation/Techniques

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 1
Total Contact Hours: 44
Lecture Hours : 18
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 36
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course introduces appropriate exercises in rhythm, technique and consistency. Special selected studies include specific techniques and rhythm patterns which are chosen to advance the students proficiency on ethnic percussion instruments. Study of instruments and rhythms from Latin American, Middle Eastern, and other ethnic cultures. 18 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Sight-read material at the student's technical proficiency level.
  • Control tone and pitch at various dynamic levels on various ethnic percussion instruments.
  • Play Latin and African percussion patterns and instruments.
  • Identify genres of world percussion.
  • Build world percussion instruments.
  • Identify the role of each percussion instrument in the ensemble.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction of techniques on Latin American, Middle Eastern and various other ethnic instruments.
  2. Introduction of resources for development of technique.
  3. Introduction of vocabulary of rudiments of ethnic percussion technique and appropriate music contexts.
  4. Listening to various types of world percussion ensemble repertoire and performing ensembles.
  5. Essay on approved topic in classical percussion.

Lab Content

  1. Assessment of student’s present performance level.
  2. Self-paced weekly assignments focusing on improvement of basic musicianship skills, technical skills, ear training, and repertoire development.
  3. Introduction to World percussion instruments
  4. Demonstration of traditional usage and techniques of World percussion instruments
  5. Assignment of basic usage and patterns of World percussion instruments
  6. Assessment and critique of assignments
  7. Rehearsal techniques and small group rehearsals and instruction.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Handouts by instructor and online web sources

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Basic transcription of selected literature

Examples of Outside Assignments

Researching world percussion literature by use of internet, audio, written and other methods
Practicing literature

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab