DUSHANBE, October 3, 2012, Asia-Plus – The University of Central Asia (UCA) has launched the course “Introduction to the Music of Central Asia.”
According to press release issued by UCA, the course is an ethnographic survey of the rich and diverse musical traditions of Central Asia. It approaches music both on its own terms and in relation to other aspects of culture and social life. After an introductory geographic overview, the course proceeds through a series of short ethnographic studies focusing on particular musical repertoires, genres, styles, musical instruments, and musicians in the two distinctive socio-cultural spheres whose symbiotic relationship has shaped Central Asian history: the nomadic world and the world of sedentary dwellers.
The final section of the course surveys the effects of globalization on Central Asian music through the prism of musical fusion and hybridity, diaspora communities, and cultural revitalization initiatives.
Coursework includes weekly reading and listening/viewing assignments based on music examples provided to each student on DVD, or accessible on the Internet. Assignments will also include short written critiques or analyses of music surveyed in the course. Several times during the term, musicians will be invited to the class to discuss and perform selections from their repertoire.
In Tajikistan, the course is conducted at the Aga Khan Humanities Project (AKHP) in Dushanbe on Saturdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The course that was launched on September 29 and runs through December 15 is open for all interested in Central Asian music and culture. No prior knowledge of music or ability to read musical notation is assumed.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) – a secular and private university- was founded by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan in 2000, following the joint signing of an International Treaty and Charter. The treaty has been ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for non-profit development is US$625 million.
