Research Study of the Oral Rhythmic Tradition and Percussion Music of North India

Proposed is a project consisting of studying the oral rhythmic tradition and percussion techniques as practiced by classical percussionists in North India. Indian music is known for its complex melodic and rhythmic compositions transmitted form one generation to the next through a centuries old oral tradition. Indian drumming techniques are particularly noted for their elaborate ornamentation and extensive fingerwork, distinctly different from drumming techniques from other parts of the world. The writer of this project has been extensively involved in West African and Frame drumming for several years. The writer’s goal is to expand upon his rhythmic and percussion vocabulary, world music repertoire, and the use of oral transmission to convey complex musical ideas, phrases and compositions