Web Resources

Raga Guide from Nimbus Records

http://www.aoe.vt.edu/~boppe/MUSIC/music.html

The Raga Guide from Nimbus Records provides a useful overview of the features and classification of ragas. It includes information on the history, development, and structure of ragas. The site features the full analysis of four ragas including notation and RealAudio samples.

http://www.mbhs.edu/classes/finearts/music/projects/KotoMusic.html

This site presents a brief overview of the Koto, along with sound samples of music featuring the instrument. It also includes a link to information on other instruments used in Japanese music.

http://www.asianclassicalmp3.org

This site provides a nice narrative introduction to classical music traditions of key countries in Asia. Additionally, every country and form investigated includes links to text and sound file examples.

1		Using the resources provided above, describe some of the major instruments used in Asian and Indian influences.
2		Describe the rhythmic and melodic structure of a raga. Discuss the different ways in which ragas can be classified.
3		Describe the historic background of Koto music. What other kinds of instruments and music styles are associated with the cultures of Japan?
4		Using the resources at Asian Classical Music provided above, describe three musical forms from cultures of your choosing. Be sure to include information on the social context of the music, as well as a description of the instruments used.