Wrapping it Up!

I have learned so much in the Music in Diverse Cultures class. If I had to choose one thing to share that I thought was intriguing, it would have to be the music in Mt. Cotacachi. I probably knew the least about that culture before the class started. It seems that their culture has the least connections with our society today. The music was very unique, especially the timbre and pitch of the female voice. It was also interesting how the golpeador hits the bass of the harp while the arpero plays. I really think that everything about this culture is unique and interesting.

While studying the many different cultures, I have realized that the music I listen to in my own culture is actually a syncretism of many different cultures. This makes sense, when we refer to America as being the melting pot.

This class has inspired me to learn more about a lot of things. I am interested in looking into more contemporary groups that play authentic instruments from their culture. I am also looking forward to learning more about individual instruments from different cultures, such as, the thumb piano, singing bowls, and gamelans. I also think that the Erhu is amazing, because the performers are able to get so many different pitches out of one string.