AT A GLANCE

Digital music specialist, ethnomusicologist and educator Andy Wasserman introduces students to the secrets of understanding how sounds are created to express the language of music. These connections are experienced in a highly interactive setting by demonstrating dozens of musical instruments while weaving vibrant tapestries of sound with rhythm, melody, harmony and form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Andy Wasserman has the audience travel through time, combining a virtual cornucopia of computerized music technology alongside ethnic instruments from around the world to illustrate where music has been and where it is going. Connections between instruments past and present are explained and demonstrated using synthesizer keyboards, digital samplers, electronic drums, and a laptop computer. Audience volunteers get numerous opportunities during the show to join a worldbeat jam using both acoustic and electronic instruments, including participation in the creation of a musical soundtrack for an imaginary movie.

As this program unfolds, Mr. Wasserman brings alive the instrumental voices of six regions: American (Jazz and Hip-Hop), European (Classical), Asia, South America & Latin America, the Middle East and West Africa. His time-tested activities transform students into budding musicians with non-stop hands-on participatory opportunities to play his awesome collections of authentic percussion, string and wind instruments.

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This program can be tailored to the needs of any educational site, library, museum, festival or event.

Detailed study guide booklets written by Wasserman are provided for preparation and follow-up.

Click here to find out more about Andy's other arts-in-education programs.

Click here to see the home page slideshow video of Andy's collection of ethnic instruments from around the world.

Click here to see photo collages of the instruments Andy uses in these world music programs.