Rhythms of Balinese Gamelan at Sydney Conservatorium

On Tuesday, 18 November, Year 9 Elective Music students enjoyed an inspiring excursion to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as part of their Term 4 unit, Music of Another Culture.

Students participated in a hands-on workshop run by the Conservatorium’s Open Academy, which offers engaging music experiences for high school students. The focus of the workshop was Balinese Gamelan, an Indonesian term meaning “music ensemble or orchestra.”

During the session, students explored the unique sounds and rhythms of Balinese music using authentic instruments from the Conservatorium’s own Gamelan set. They received practical instruction on playing the instruments and learned about the cultural significance of Gamelan in Balinese society.

This immersive experience allowed students to deepen their understanding of world music traditions and appreciate the rich diversity of global musical cultures.