Throughout the year, we immersed ourselves in the culture of different countries and learned about their customs and religion. However, we proceeded in a completely different way from what is usually done when examining and studying other cultures; we have learned an incredible amount of information about these cultures just by watching their music. This semester, I discovered fascinating cultures from different cultures such as Indonesia, India, and Africa, and learned how exactly these countries expressed their culture through their music. It was really an interesting semester that taught me a lot. Indonesia was the first culture we looked at in class. Compared to the other cultures we looked at later in the semester, this was the most unique culture, at least in my opinion. The most unique style of music in this culture is undoubtedly gamelan. Gamelan is probably the most interesting style of music I have ever experienced. This style of music is not even written or even rehearsed, from what I understand from the videos shown in class. The music "revolves" around a basic gong cycle, which serves as the basis of the music, and is almost entirely improvised. One group of musicians will do their own thing, and another section of musicians in charge of different instruments will follow and start playing, following the rhythm that the other group had started and adding to it. This is done several times, until there are a variety of interlocking rhythms that come together and form a soothing but fascinating sound. In addition to its particular sound and style, the gamelan is very symbolic and religious. For example, the interlocking texture of kilitan telu rhythmic patterns is a musical symbol of the community... middle of paper ...... composed of. Elements such as improvisation, complex polyphonic textures, and layered ostinatos are all elements found in the drum-dominated music of African culture. All of the different music studied this semester was rich in information and provided a symbolic way to express their respective values. culture. Even though they shared this in common, they all had their own style and personality. The interlocking rhythms of the Indonesian gamelan, the raga and tala of the Hindu traditions of Karnatak and Hindustani, and the drum dominated the music of African culture. This course really taught me to analyze and look beyond just the sound of music, but also to look at the history and symbolic nature of music, and it really paid off, it really helped me a lot. learned about all these different cultures and I'm really grateful for it.