About the Specialization
Through the MFA curriculum, students develop strong technical skills in playing several different gamelan instruments, all of which combine to create multi-layered and elaborate music. This includes instruments that play melody, regulate time, underline musical structure, and elaborate melodies and vocal components.
In addition to graduate major lessons, non-major lessons, and classes in music theories and systems, the curriculum focuses on courses in Balinese gamelan (orchestra), Javanese gamelan, gadon (small orchestra), gender wayang (metallophone quartet), male and female dance and, periodically, classes in kecak (monkey chant) and gong suling (flute ensemble).
Students study, practice and perform in many contexts—in ensembles such as Balinese and Javanese Gamelan, Gender Wayang, Kecak, and more—as well as engage with theoretical course offerings, dance classes, and private and small group lessons. The course of study trains students to exhibit the strong listening, observation and imitation skills necessary to learn such music; and thusly, the ability to convey such oral teaching traditions and methods to others as well.
Candidates for the MFA degree must demonstrate their performing skills in recitals and, if relevant to the specific nature of a student's work, complete a supplemental thesis.
Full Curriculum
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