The course will have several complementary objectives: (a) To explore the musical material, ideas, and conventions that are in common use in Hindustani (i. e. North Indian) music. (b) To become familiar (through listening and reflection) with some of the commonly used forms and genres of vocal and instrumental music (c) To explore selected socio-cultural issues that impinge on the life of musicians: training of musicians, transmission of musical traditions, diffusion and exchange of musical ideas, the place of music and musicians in society, the status of musicians (and especially of female musicians) and so on. 

 We will try to achieve these objectives through (a) Classroom sessions that are structured informally, focused on listening, reading and discussion rather than straight lecturing (b) Workshops/demonstrations conducted by the instructor and his friends (c) Listening to live concerts in Ragamala's Concert Series, if available..

 Although the course will not be focussed on teaching students to play or perform a piece of North Indian music, a limited opportunity to try to learn and play a piece will present itself naturally during the course.

 Prior knowledge of the Music of India will not be assumed.  As always, an interest in music, a strong desire to participate and willingness to take a risk in a supportive environment (among friends) will be most helpful.  In the past, this course has had quite a diverse audience: students with majors in Music Education, Ethnomusicology, Composition and Performance majors; several students with majors outside Music; senior citizens registered under the Access program; American students of East Indian heritage or graduate students from India who feel the need to find out more about their musical roots.

 If you have questions please send e-mail to

<gangolli@math.washington.edu>, or to 
<gangolli@u.washington.edu>