Methods of teaching and learning music vary greatly according to culture and society. In the Ewe music - culture, most all music and dance are learned through enculturation, by simply being around and listening to the music. Agbekor, however, is very complex rhythmically and difficult to learn, students of this type of music require years of special instruction and training. Agbekor is learned slowly, in stages, beginning by simply listening too and absorbing the music. If you want to learn to play agbekor you go and listen to it being played until you learn it and are able to play it yourself. Because of the complexity and intricacy involved with in this type of music it is very difficult to learn in such an informal way. Agbekor musicians will practice for up to a year in a secluded area before they will appear to perform in public. Instruction in this difficult type of music includes demonstration and emulation. An experienced Agbekor musician will play a rhythm or melody and the student will attempt to copy exactly what his instructor played. This type of learning is, of course, dependent upon gifted students who have the ability to learn long rhythmic compositions simply by listening to them time and time again. This rhythmic ability comes easier for some than others, not everyone is cut out to be an Agbekor musician. Those who do posses the ability believe that their talent was inherited from their ancestors, even reincarnated. .
Here in the United States we have a different approach to learning music. One might take private lessons in their instrument when young, sing in choir or play in the band and then study at a more advanced level in college. It is clearly evident that the methods for learning music vary greatly depending upon the society one is in. .
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