World Music & Global Sound
Where every culture finds its rhythm.
The World Music and Global Sound Program at OC Music & Dance offers students a unique opportunity to explore musical traditions from around the world through performance, study, and cultural immersion.
Open to all ages, as well as professional and semi-professional musicians, the program is especially beneficial for those with a background in Western instruments looking to expand their musical vocabulary.
Through hands-on learning and cross-cultural exploration, students build technical ability, broaden their artistic perspective, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of global music traditions.
Apply for Fall 2026
Applications are now open for priority consideration. Space is limited.
Students engage in instrumental and vocal study, ensemble performance, improvisation, music theory, and music technology while exploring traditions from regions such as Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America. Instruction emphasizes rhythmic training, stylistic understanding, and the cultural context behind each tradition.
Courses are offered in private, semi-private, and group formats, allowing students to develop both individual skills and collaborative performance experience. Each instructor leads a weekly session, providing consistent mentorship and focused guidance.
MEET OUR WORLD MUSIC
ARTISTIC TEAM
JIRYIS BALLAN
Jiryis Ballan is a composer, producer, ethnomusicologist, and educator whose work bridges Arabic musical traditions, contemporary composition, and emerging technologies.
