South Indian Solkattu and Western Music Pedagogy

Abstract

Part of the classical music tradition of South India, solkattu reinforces the statement “If you can say it, you can play it.” This system of percussive syllables can help young musicians approach rhythm training in a way not usually available to students in Western countries. This article offers applications for a music curriculum. The approach can help students be more accurate in both their sense of rhythm and their rhythmic performance.