Why do I love Indian Music?
So, as the
title suggests, I really like traditional (okay, and Bollywood) Hindi music. So
what? Let me give you some context. I distinctly remember the first
time I heard some traditional Japanese music in Elementary school. I thought it
was pleasant, but it was very different than anything I’d ever heard. Hindi
music was different, I liked it in the way that you like something familiar,
like a favourite dish that your grandmother use to cook you. This was strange
because I didn't listen to Hindi music growing up, but I think I may have
stumbled upon the answer. The woman in the image (left) is playing a Tanpura, a
member of the lute family. And this next picture is of an instrument used in
much of the Greek folk music I listened to at Greek community events growing
up.
This
instrument, the Bouzouki, is also in the lute family. Some Hindi and Greek
music seem to share a similar sharp metallic sounds, so I wonder if my exposure
to this as a child made it easier for me to connect to Hindi music.
I was thinking
of the teaching implications of this possibility, specifically that simply
exposing children to many forms of music and art could make them feel more
comfortable with them later in life. Therefore, it seems it would be good practice to expose students to a wide variety of music and art.
I must say I myself am a big fan of Hindi music. Not too sure where it stems from, perhaps because every time I hear it, it reminds me of all the yummy spices that went into to make a delicious curry. Additionally, I have always wanted to go to India. Either way, I think it is a great idea to expose children to a wide variety of music for you never know what your are going to like unless you give it a try. Oh and by the way I would have never guessed you liked Bollywood...(kidding).
ReplyDeletehmm.... interesting. That is a neat connection, the similarity in instruments, causing you to immediately like a new type of music. That is most definitely a good argument for exposing students to a wide variety of music. I also love hindi music, especially bungarra (hindi hip hop). One of my best friends growing up (and still a good friend) was/is Sikh, so I always feel at home with Indian music. It makes me think of her, and I get all warm and fuzzy.... and it has an epic beat! We used to have some awesome dance parties together in her living room. I absolutely love Bollywood too. One of my all time favourite movies is Bride and Prejudice, sooooo much better than the non-Bollywood versions.
ReplyDeleteheeey!!! I checked, and Ukrainian music is lute based too! Good old polka!! haha, so maybe that's why I liked it right away too. Our lutes are called kobzas and torbans.
ReplyDeleteA few times I have listened to radio programs about fusion - groups that blend musical genres from around the world. The most intriquing example of fusion for me, however, was when I was at a conference in Virginia and we were entertained by a blue grass band that included a Japanese guy playing an instrument something like this. It was fascinating to see him step forward to do a solo in the middle of a traditional piece. I agree that exposing children to a richness of musical experiences as well as art/dance/drama experiences will encourage them to live fully and creatively themselves and to appreciate others when they do so as well.
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