AAI16K ETHNOMUSICOLOGY IN THE SINGAPORE CONTEXT

Ethnomusicology in the Singapore Context introduces you to the field of ethnomusicology by emphasizing music as a lived, expressive, and socially embedded practice. You will explore how musical traditions shape and reflect community life, cultural values, identities, and everyday experiences. Through this lens, you will examine the many roles music plays in meaning-making, social interaction, and cultural continuity both locally and beyond. Blending theory with experience, you will take part in exploratory learning activities such as ensemble performance, rhythmic recitation, and movement-based exercises that help you understand how music is learned, embodied, and transmitted across generations. These are complemented by critical listening, contextual analysis, and guided discussions that encourage deeper reflection on music's role in society. A key assignment is a content creation project that invites you to engage in cultural storytelling and reflective interpretation, allowing you to connect ethnomusicological perspectives with real-world musical encounters. Whether or not you have a musical background, this course equips you with the tools to think critically, listen attentively, and engage meaningfully with the complexity and richness of local musical practices.