Oceania

The area known as Oceania includes Australia and numerous island groups spread across the Pacific Ocean. The music of Oceania is primarily vocal. In the Kiribati islands, vocal performances sometimes start with a freely rhythmic section. These are most typical of sitting dances (te bino). With few exceptions, instruments tend to be small and portable, most being idiophones or membranophones.

The few aerophones found are primarily flutes, though the most famous instrument from the region is likely the Australian didjeridu. The sound is characterized by a low, rumbling drone. The guttural sound of the didjeridu is made by relaxing the lips and blowing air through the mouth to make the lips flap or buzz.

Fundamental to playing the didjeridu is utilization of the circular breathing technique, which creates a continuous exhaled airflow, making it possible to produce a steady drone over long periods. Air is expelled through the lips by tongue and cheek muscles. As the performer exhales, he simultaneously inhales through his nose to replenish the air reserve stored in the cheeks.

Hawaiian drum-dance chant consists simply of a voice, one or two drums, and accompanying dance. Other rhythmic instruments can be added. Poetry used in drum-dance chant is generally referred to as mele.

A prominent feature of Hawaiian vocal performance is the use of vibrato (a wavering of a tone). While vibrato is commonly used in many world traditions, it is generally applied to sustained pitches. Hawaiian vocalists, however, frequently apply vibrato to shorter tones as well.

The vocalist may also emphasize the upper pitch but “fall” or “slide” to the lower pitch on sustained tones. This “sliding” technique is referred to as portamento and involves a continuous movement from one pitch to another. The accompanying drums are known as the pahu and the kilu.