The Burmese arched harp, known as "Saung Gauk," is the national icon of the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (once called Burma). It is both ancient and contemporary, and its music frequently carries stories that are threaded with long-standing philosophical principles of the Burmese. The music of the Saung Gauk consists of five…

This publication provides a general background for appreciation of Asian music and explains some of the specific techniques of the Asian tonal art to those who have some formal knowledge of Western music. In addition to a brief introductory section which identifies basic differences of non-Western music, sections are included on the history,…