This course explores some of the many ways that people perform, experience, enjoy, and discuss music around the world. Case studies of specific culture areas and significant musicians are tied to local ethnography projects, enabling students to take advantage of the stunning diversity of global music traditions practiced in New York City. The course requires a significant amount of listening to music recordings, a midterm and a final exam, and a final paper. Students will read materials pertaining to ethnography, ethnomusicology, analysis of musical style, and musical exchanges, participate in seminar discussions, conduct and report on field research, and attend musical events. The course also covers basic elements of music and terminology, so previous musical experience and familiarity with Western music notation are not required. This course is one of the two required courses for Contemporary Music majors and minors.