SAEDNEWS: The field of “Global Instrument Performance” is a branch of music in which students become familiar with instruments from around the world. Its goal is not to train performers, but to cultivate well-rounded musicians. Here, we’ll dive into the details of this innovative program.
Music makes us happy. That’s the simplest explanation, right? Since music is intertwined with the human soul and serves as a calming tool, paying attention to it is essential in human life. Whether it’s Iranian music or global music, it offers numerous benefits, such as stress reduction, enhanced performance, improved learning ability, increased verbal intelligence, better mental health, boosted mood, and many more.
In the past, music programs focused solely on Iranian music. One of the admission requirements was proficiency in an Iranian instrument, which was not ideal for those interested in global instruments like the violin, guitar, or piano.
To expand practical and theoretical knowledge in music, related programs have been established at universities worldwide. Global music performance is one of these fields, aimed at training musicians who, through mastering both theoretical and practical aspects of global music, can join Iranian and classical music orchestras.
Artistic talent, a passion for music, mastery of an instrument, and good hearing are key factors for success in this field. The global music performance program in universities is semi-competitive: applicants, after passing the national entrance exam, must participate in an interview and practical exam. A critical requirement for this stage is proficiency in one of the orchestral instruments (excluding percussion) and a solid grasp of the theoretical and practical foundations of global music.
Total Credits: 135
General Courses: 20 credits
Foundation Courses: 26 credits
Core Courses: 15 credits
Specialized Courses: 74 credits
To help you understand the program better, here’s an overview of the courses:
Foundation Courses in Global Music:
Composition (1–4)
Harmony (1–2)
Ear Training (1–2)
General Piano (1–3)
Fundamentals of Acoustics
Basics of Sound
Core Courses in Global Music:
World Music History (1–2)
History of Iranian Music
Instrumentation of Global Music (1–2)
Identification of Iranian Instruments
Music Form (1–2)
Specialized Courses in Global Music:
Choral Singing (1–2)
Ensemble Performance (1–4)
Global Orchestra (1–4)
Global Instrument Mastery (1–8)
Stage Performance for Global Instruments (1–2)
Sight-Reading (1–2)
Group Vocal Stage Performance
Final Project
For admission to public universities, students must pass the annual two-stage art entrance exam (theoretical/written and practical). Other universities accept students via online registration and a practical exam.
At the master’s level, programs include Iranian Instrument Performance, Global Instrument Performance, Composition, Ethnomusicology (local and folk music), and Art Research. At the doctoral level, fields include Art Research and Philosophy of Art domestically, while most music and composition specializations are pursued abroad.
Individuals with personality traits suited to this field—artistic talent, sociability, patience, and perseverance—can gradually achieve fame and build a promising career. With a master’s or doctoral degree, one can also teach at universities offering music programs or courses that include music.
Countries such as the United States (New York), Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Sweden are popular destinations for music professionals. Each country has specific regulations for recruitment and admission.
Juilliard School, New York – USA
Berklee College of Music, Boston – USA
University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music – USA
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – UK
Yale School of Music – USA
Curtis Institute of Music – USA
Royal Academy of Music – UK
Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, Bloomington – USA
Mannes School of Music, New York – USA
