Introduce yourself in 280 characters or less.
In very rough order of importance, here goes: I’m a human being, a performing/composing/researching musician, an explorer of music of all times and places, a professor of Music at UBC since 1996, a specialist in the music of Bali, a jazz buff, a foodie, a yogi, and a puzzle maniac.
How would you describe your approach to teaching music? What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
Music is collaboration and personal connection. That’s what I love about teaching too. We are all fellow travellers on our quest to understand music and I try to learn as much from my students as I can.
What courses are you teaching in 2020/21?
In the fall, I am teaching Music 128 (Musical Rhythm and Human Experience), Music 165/565B (Balinese Gamelan), and Music 403D/533D (Periodicity) —an advanced course on the analysis of world musics taught with my colleague John Roeder.
In Term 2, Gamelan continues and Periodicity is replaced by Music 403G/530C (Oral Composition) — if you’re curious about what that is, ask me.
What can students expect during their private lessons with you?
I don’t teach lessons of the kind this question implies, but I do teach the gamelan and I will meet students individually any time. You can expect my undivided attention!
What do you love about your instrument?
My main “instrument” is the gamelan, which is actually a kind of orchestra, from the island of Bali. I have been crazy for it since I was 19. If you don’t know what gamelan is, here’s a good sample of me performing with a group of friends in Berkeley, California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAIrco_Y4AQ
We have a set of instruments just like that here at UBC.
WATCH: A recording of Dr. Tenzer’s composition “Unstable Centre” for two Balinese gamelan. He can be seen playing drums on the right side.
What is your favourite piece of music/composer/musician?
Among other things, the first movement of the Mendelssohn Octet, Toru Takemitsu’s Asterism (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMvVrTBz72Q) and Jazzer Charles Mingus’s What Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbuA2qCWEoQ).
If you couldn’t play the gamelan, what instrument would you like to play?
I do play the piano, but I’d like to be much better than I am. And I’d like to be a better singer with fabulous pitch accuracy.
When you’re not practicing or teaching or performing, what are you most likely to be doing?
Spending time with family and friends, researching social justice and climate catastrophe.
Finally, what advice would you give students entering the BMus program this year?
Make this world a better place with music! Come to UBC, we’ll help.
For more information about Dr. Tenzer, visit his faculty profile.
