MUSI 207Native American Music

Chapter 11

Ethnic North American MusicInstrument Creation (STOMP)

Instrument, music to play with it, solo or ensemble

Chapter Presentation

Conceptualization

Commodification and Specialization of Music

Art and Commerce

North American Values

How is music conceptualized in North America?

Something done by professionals, artists

Something encountered-concerts, public sphere

Music learned from schoolmates, teachers, parents, and/or church members

Comes to mind better than more formalized examples (printed music, MP3 files, concerts)

“Music for music’s sake.”

Commodification and Specialization of Music

Financial success is esteemed

Artistic excellence measured

Producers’ goal-make music with wide appeal

Artists’ goal-make music that evidences talent, pursues excellence

Art and CommerceTense relationship Courting mainstream audience Compromising artistry and

authenticity

Concert Halls Sell tickets Challenge audiences with new

music

North American ValuesRefining performance skills

Composing new music

Entering contests

Interpreting challenging compositions

All efforts may yield little financial reward

Music as a Reflection of Culture

Music is measured by its ability to integrate society, ceremonies, and social events. Technical complexity is not a valid criterion. For the Blackfeet, “the right way to do something is to sing the right song with it.” Every activity has its appropriate song.

For next class

Chapter Exam 12 is due Friday

Comment on the D2L PowerPoint presentations (last week to do this)

Read Chapter 12 (pgs. 401-419) on Ethnic North American music

Pause for a moment today and listen to the music of your soul.