Different rhythms to similar tunes: African beats in action across two continents

In this article I present some theoretical perspectives on reflective practice and African music. As reflection is a voyage of on-going self-discovery and change, and most challenging, I consider the teaching of African music across two continents and institutions. After a recent visit to South Africa (August-October 2006), I describe and discuss some similarities that I as a music educator at Deakin University, share with a music educator from the University of the North West, South Africa regarding the teaching and learning of African music. Through observation and interview data with my colleague, I offer some thoughts on what is African music and why we teach different rhythms to similar tunes across two continents at our tertiary institutions. I see this as a way forward to transmit and promote togetherness in a multicultural society where we respect diversity and the notion of 'other'.