Gamelan includes parts that are quickly learned along with those that reward a lifetime of study. It thus allows for musicians of greatly varying abilities and experience to play together. Cornell’s varied course offerings reflect this range of challenge, while also providing different options in terms of credit and time commitment.

Gamelan in Indonesian History and Cultures (MUSIC 2341, fall semester)

This 3-credit course combines a systematic introduction to playing gamelan with a seminar that explores the full range of music in Indonesia. It assumes  no previous experience with music.

Cornell Gamelan Ensemble (MUSIC 3610, fall and spring semesters)

This 1-credit performance course allows students who have taken MUSIC 2341, along with those with applicable musical skills, to study more advanced repertoire as part of an ensemble with many continuing members, including several from the Ithaca community. On occasion we engage in special projects exploring gamelan’s connection to other performing arts and/or contemporary composition and improvisation. For more on the ensemble, see More About Gamelan at Cornell.

In Spring 2025, the ensemble will be taught by guest director Heri Purwanto from Indonesia. See the home page for his profile.

Advanced Instruction in Gamelan (MUSIC 4641, fall and spring semesters; next offered in Fall 2025)

This 1-credit course offers students enrolled in MUSIC 3610 focused instruction in more advanced instruments and parts.

Collaborative Creativity (MUSIC 2130)

An occasional special topics course, first offered in Spring 2023 with guest instructor Gondrong Gunarto, a freelance composer and gamelan musician from Surakarta, Indonesia. More information.

For more information, watch this trailer or search for “gamelan” in courses.cornell.edu.