I'm having difficulty deciding a topic on which I can write a research paper on. It can be anything related to world music from any culture or practice, an event, etc. I just can't think of anything outside of North America and some suggestions would be nice.
Perhaps your ethnicity would give you an idea? For example, I love Celtic music and instruments because part of my heritage is Celtic.
I also love Japanese music and instruments because I used to live there.
If you think of a country that has different instruments (Russia, for example) it will probably be much more interesting to you and your audience.
Sra
Some ideas:
African slavery and the spread of jazz
European dance forms (or choose just two or three)
Evolution of the piano from the harpsichord
Influence of changes of philosophy and culture on music styles
I suggest going on National Geographic's website They have a world music finder. You can either do it by style (blues, rock, reggae, folk music are some of the more common ones on there), or you can search by place. You click on a continent and then click on a country you are interested in. While you do have to pay to download these songs, you can always just type in the artist for a free listen on you tube.
I recently did a project on African music which was very interesting. I searched African Music in wiki, and I got a good idea of some artists, like Ketil Kona, Afel Bocum, and the South African Children's Choir.
If you're looking for topics, here are a few ideas.
~National Anthems and how folk music of that country influenced them (try the Welsh National Anthem it is so beautiful)
~Throat Singing (try searching for it on you tube, it may sound very bizarre, but it is interesting).
~Comparing Fiddle Music of different European nations
~Unusual instruments like the balalaika and the Mongolian two-stringed guitar (I forget its real name)
Best of luck, have fun, and let us know what you come up with! I love this research topic as you can tell.
When exploring topics related to world music, it is essential to broaden your perspective and look beyond North America. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
1. Traditional African drumming patterns: Explore the rich rhythmic patterns and cultural significance of traditional African drums in different regions.
To research this topic:
- Start by reading books or academic articles on African drumming traditions.
- Look for specific cultural practices and their historical context.
- Watch videos or listen to recordings of traditional African drumming performances.
2. Indian classical music and its influence on the world: Investigate the origins and development of Indian classical music and its impact on various music genres globally.
To research this topic:
- Study the different elements of Indian classical music, such as ragas and talas.
- Investigate notable Indian classical musicians and their contributions.
- Examine the incorporation of Indian classical music in modern genres like jazz or electronic music.
3. Japanese traditional instrument: Focus on a specific traditional Japanese musical instrument, such as the shamisen or shakuhachi flute, and delve into its history, construction, and role in Japanese culture.
To research this topic:
- Explore books or online resources on traditional Japanese instruments.
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of the chosen instrument.
- Listen to recordings or watch performances to grasp the unique sound and technique.
4. South American folk music and its indigenous roots: Research the diverse folk music traditions across South America, their indigenous influences, and the role they play in preserving cultural heritage.
To research this topic:
- Study the indigenous musical traditions of specific South American countries, such as the Andean music traditions or Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
- Understand the historical context and cultural significance of these musical traditions.
- Analyze the impact of colonization and globalization on South American folk music.
Remember that these are just starting points. As you delve deeper into any of these topics, you will likely uncover more specific aspects to focus your research paper on.