ETHNMUS 163Theory, Practice, and Improvisation in Iranian Music

Designed to expose students from wide background of experience, outlooks, and training to many facets of art and craft of improvisation in Iranian music. Examination of how organization of radif (collection of melodic figures preserved through oral tradition that provides basis of improvisation), and master and disciple teaching and tutoring, shape improvisational and performance practices in Iranian traditional music. Comparison of radif to num,ber of related musical cultures: Arabic maqam, Turkish makam, and number of ragas from North Indian tradition. Includes in part workshop format in which students are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments, or for vocalist to join in, in exploring radif. Students read about theoretical issues of radif, and learn how to memorize, compose, and improvise important parts of radif.

P/NP or letter grading.