Have you ever wondered what makes different styles of music unique? We will explore distinctive musical genres to understand the essence of their style and appeal.

The first meeting will describe what makes music “western”, describing the sonic power of chords. They create anticipation and prediction in any type of western music and you will hear examples drawn from classic folk and popular music. The second session will explore Indonesian golden gong sounds, in which time cycles guide the audience through many layers of sound. The third class will cover Japanese noh drama music, which is characterized by the horizontal drive of drum patterns that equal vertical western chords.

Instructor William Malm is a Professor Emeritus of Music from the University of Michigan. He is the founder of the World Music Program and Director of the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. This study group for those 50 and above will meet on Fridays, 10-11:30, from September 21 through October 5.