Peace Corps

The Language of Music

While serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkmenistan, Dave Fossum learned to play Turkmen national music on a dutar, a two-stringed instrument. In the three parts of this slide show, learn about the dutar, appreciate the structure of Turkmen music, and watch Dave perform with his teacher in Turkmenistan. Also, understand how Dave’s Peace Corps service inspired him to pursue a graduate degree in ethnomusicology.

Please be sure to click each image below to view all three parts of the story.

Dave Fossum, Turkmenistan

Get the Flash Player to see this movie.

A Musical Encounter

Hear how the dutar captivated Dave.
Transcript

 

 

 

What is a Dutar?

Dave Fossum describes the dutar and the structure of Turkmen music.
Transcript

 

 

At Çapan ("Horse Rider")

Dave performs with Annamuhammet Muğallym.
Transcript

View subtitles to read translation: "cc"

E-Newsletter

Stay up-to-date
with our e-newsletter,
World Wise Window.

Read more

Get Acrobat

PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Go Get It