Australia and Papua

New Guinea

By Peter
Background

● Oceania is the area that refers to islands in the Pacific Ocean.

● Both Australia and Papua New Guinea are included in
Oceania.
● Most of Oceania is considered tropical or subtropical
● Tourism is also a primary economic source in the Pacific
● And most of Oceania still maintain its traditional practices
● Most of the practices deal with nature
Music Background

● The music of Oceania is primary vocal

● However when they use instruments they tend to be idiophones
or membranophones
● The most famous instrument of this area is the didjeridu
● A didjeridu is classified as a trumpet
Australia
Australia

● It is home to some of the most unique species including the

koala, kangaroo, and the platypus.
● While most of the exterior of the continent is moderate
vegetation, most of the inside is vast plains
● The people that live in the interior of Australia's plains are called
Aborigines
Australian Music

● Didgeridu is very popular instrument in Australian Music

● Most didgeridus are made from tree branch, but some from bamboo
● An important aspect to playing the didgeridu is learning how to circular
breathe
● This is important because the didgeridu is the drone that you will hear in
Australian Music.
● People play the didgeridu my relaxing their lips and blowing to make a
buzz
● It can produce many overtones
● A more experienced player can change the timbre
● Some songs also use clapsticks to provide a steady pulse
Aboriginal Song with Didjeridu

● This performance starts with a spoken introduction before the

music begins
● Most of the sung words are untranslatable
● The clapsticks help keep the beat
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea

● Has less than 5 million inhabitants

● More than 100 languages spoken
● The major cities are found along the coast
● Most of the indigenous groups practice substantial farming
● English is its official language but barely any of the people speak
it fluently
● The most common instrument is the susap
Susap from Papua New Guinea

● The susap is also known as the mouth harp

● And it has a twangy sound
● Most susaps are made from wood or bamboo
● Susaps have multiple flexible tongues that are typically plucked
● To play the susap you put it in your mouth and pluck