When rock first appeared in the limelight of American mainstream culture through acts like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, it was understood within the industry that their music borrowed sounds from blues, gospel music, and jazz. While these genres are still broadly considered to be the origins of rock and roll, further study reveals far-reaching and surprising links connecting distant cultures and rock music over a span of millennia.

This course covers the development and spread of ideas and musical instruments from prehistoric through to ancient, mediaeval, and modern times, uncovering points of contact between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The seminar examines rock music's unexpected ancient roots, which lie in a global dialogue—beyond conquest and domination—that continues to resonate and evolve.  Ultimately, the course sheds light on music as the original human ritual and positions the healing function of music at the heart of it.

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