Never mind the notation: Understanding music through performance in Japan and Java

Dr David W Hughes, SOAS and Durham University

Wednesday 15 June at 11.00am

In many non-Western traditions, even when written notation exists, music is still learnt and understood primarily through performance: imitating one’s teacher, learning from one’s mistakes when performing in public, ‘stealing’ from other musicians, singing oral mnemonics, etc. Partly through live performance of various genres, David Hughes will share his experiences – often painful or laughable – in learning to perform and thus better understand various genres of music in Japan (including Okinawa) and Java.

Dr David W Hughes taught music for 22 years at SOAS, University of London. He has lived in Japan for over ten years, made two long research visits to Indonesia, and has played music from both countries for over 40 years.

This event is free, but tickets must be booked. To book tickets please go to http://japanandjava.eventbrite.co.uk