The music of planet Earth is as diverse as the globe is large. While western pop music is ubiquitous, making headlines and dominating airwaves, listening to and exploring the music of the world's many cultures allows further opportunities for universal communication. Lyrics regarding religion, rebellion, and romance are sung in any number of languages, and even while we may not always understand the words, the sentiments do get through. Western music was once mistakenly considered the pinnacle of the sonic arts. Today, however, musicians, musicologists, and listeners alike have learned that music from everywhere in the world has much to teach us--whether it's the intricacies of African polyrhythms, the microtones of Indonesian Gamelan, or the melodic complexity of Indian ragas.

Notable Artists: Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Ravi Shankar