What is your reaction to local music? Is it similar, or very different from, music you are used to? Does it sound sad or happy (in a minor or major key)?
What role does musical expression play in the life of the people (from relaxation to religious)? Do you hear music played on the street? in buses? in homes? Are there stores where CDs, DVDs, cassettes of music can be bought? How prevalent is it for people to have players in their homes?
What kind of instruments are played? Do people prefer local instruments or western ones? Describe one or two musical instruments which you have never seen before, including how it is made, how it is played, when it is played, and if it has any specific significance in the culture. Do only certain people play these instruments? When?
Do people mostly listen to or sing local songs or do they prefer songs from the dominant culture or from the west? Is the singing done primarily in unison, or do they harmonize? What types of songs are there? Who writes them? When and by whom are they sung? Which singers, bands, or instrumentalists hold concerts and are famous enough to have a following? What made them famous? What topics are sung about?
Transcribe and translate the words of some song texts.
What tunes are used for hymns in worship services? Are the hymns translations of western ones, or are they written locally? Are new songs and hymns being written? How do new songs spread throughout congregations around the country?
Is dancing a part of the culture? When and where is it done? Who dances? Is this participatory or is it only watched by others? Is dancing accompanied by singing? Are musical instruments used? Are they used by the dancers themselves? What other special effects accompany dancing (e.g., trays, long fingernails, scarves)?
Do both men and women dance? Do they dance together? What social or religious significance is attached to dancing? Are special costumes worn? What emotional states are produced in the dancers?
Are there any dramatic performances? Where are they performed? Are they performed by professionals, amateur groups, religious groups, school children? Are religious events dramatized? Could drama be the vehicle for portraying Old and New Testament events?
Do local dramas relate to events of historical, mythical, or ritual significance, or both? Note the place, date, and occasion of the performance; the subject of the performance and the reasons given for its selection. Also take note of the performers: their age, gender, status in society, dress, etc. What meaning is conveyed by gestures? Does music or dancing accompany a performance? What is the effect of the performance upon the audience (e.g., enjoyment, affirmation of ethnic identity).
Describe an actual performance, the audience’s response, and your reactions to it.