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Learning with the Body: Investigating the Link Between Musical Interaction and the Acquisition of Musical Knowledge and Skills

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Traditional Musics in the Modern World: Transmission, Evolution, and Challenges

Part of the book series: Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education ((LAAE,volume 24))

Abstract

This chapter examines the acquisition of popular music by young Nepali musicians for whom local traditional music occupies a preeminent place in the musical learning process. The study of transfer between various music systems and learning strategies sheds light on the way musical skills are shaped. Central to this study is the question how bodily learning in the form of interaction, gestures and entrainment results in the acquisition of musical knowledge and skills in popular music. The outcomes are based on data collected in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 20 band rehearsals. I analysed 12 video recordings using Transana Professional 2.60, which allowed me to present data in sequence reports. Derived from the analysis, I will demonstrate two patterns of learning, indicating that musical skills arises out of bodily interaction between musicians. Understanding this link provides essential insight in the way young musicians address the modern world with local music learning tools.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Over 2000 years ago, the Newar community migrated into the Kathmandu valley and settled in urban areas like Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, from where they set up trading routes and businesses (Pradhan 2011). Numerically, the Newar community represents the second highest urban population (641,963) of Nepal (CBS Nepal 2014). Music and dance forms an essential part of Newar religious ceremonies and festivals. Traditionally, professional musicians occupy a low-status position in religious and ritual ceremonies (Moisala 2000). In present times, music is still firmly rooted in Newari culture. Popular bands like Kutumba voice the revival of Newari culture through traditional compositions (Grandin 2010). Through historical and ongoing cultural exchange with North India, Newari music is based on ragas (Moisala 2000). Newari ensembles include, but are not limited to, bansuri (flute) players, madal and dhimay percussionists, and cymbal players.

  2. 2.

    ‘Modern song’ with the accompaniment of harmonium and tabla (Grandin 2005: 6). This music serves as a sonic emblem of the Nepali nation, representing both the modern (chords and harmony) and the traditional (Nepali instruments) (Greene 2011).

  3. 3.

    This film music, often sang by couples in love, is based on repetitive Nepali pentatonic folk melodies with poetic, longing romantic lyrics, set in idyllic sceneries in rural Nepal.

  4. 4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Jaco van den Dool

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  1. Jaco van den Dool
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Correspondence to Jaco van den Dool .

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  1. Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong

    Bo-Wah Leung

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van den Dool, J. (2018). Learning with the Body: Investigating the Link Between Musical Interaction and the Acquisition of Musical Knowledge and Skills. In: Leung, BW. (eds) Traditional Musics in the Modern World: Transmission, Evolution, and Challenges. Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 24. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91599-9_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91599-9_15

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