Through ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program, master artist Bernard Barros Ellorin has been working all year with his 2019 apprentice Kimberly (Kim) Kalanduyan in kulintang music from the Southern Philippines, which is played on a set of gongs that have different melodic…
Master artist in Japanese shamisen
The Mridangam is a two-headed drum that is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in all Carnatic or South Indian Classical music performance. A very ancient instrument referenced in sculptures and epics of India thousands of years ago, Mridangam and the art of playing the instrument have evaloved highly over the centuries.
Kulintang Music of the Philippines
Japanese Taiko
The music and drumming of the Mandinka dates back to the 13th century in the Mali Empire. These century old traditions, songs and rhythms are related to various life cycles such as infant naming, agriculture and marriage ceremonies, as well as pertaining to specific social and religious societies. Central to…
Mridangam, South Indian percussion
Carnatic music originated in South India from the ancient classical music system that is traced back to the Vedic age. Carnatic music is characterized by a well-structured system of swaras (successive steps/notes of an octave), raagas (melodic modes), kriti (musical compositions with lyrics). A unique feature is the concept of…
Arabic Percussion
After citizens of the town of San Miguel Cuevas, Oaxaca, Mexico migrated and settled their families in the Central Valley, many became concerned that their children would not be exposed to their indigenous roots leading to cultural extinction. In 2001, community members came together to discuss how they can continue…
