Join Buffalo's Javanese Community gamelan ensemble! Nusantara Arts Community Music programs are dedicated to playing Indonesian music in a relaxed cooperative setting. Our community gamelan groups set the bar high for musical excellence, and often perform around Western New York in cooperation with esteemed guest artists.

In Javanese Community Gamelan we study intermediate and advances gamelan skills, and learn songs in the traditional Javanese way.

Schedule: Spring session runs April-June
Rehearsals

• Every Sunday from 6:30-9

• Wednesday 7-9:30

Class Fees:
Class Fees are sliding scale to ensure people with any economic status may participate.

For participants age 13 and higher. Beginner Javanese Gamelan class or other prior experience required.

Teacher: Matt Dunning
Founder and Executive Director of Nusantara Arts, Matt started playing gamelan music in 2006 while living in Chicago and developed a deep understanding of Javanese performance and cultural practices while living in Solo, Central Java from 2011-2013. Matt has been fortunate to study with some of the best gamelan musicians in Java and the US including Darsono Hadiraharjo, Heri Purwanto, Hartono, and Wakidi Dwidjomartono. Matt just returned from two months in Indonesia where is was able to continue his studies of Javanese gamelan as well as visit Bali for the first time in preparation for the launch of Nusantara Arts new Balinese gamelan music ensemble.

Our Instruments: Bronze Javanese Slendro/Pelog. Our set of bronze Javanese gamelan was purchased in 2020, replacing our iron set for in house classes and performances. It is a beautiful double set of instruments with complete gongs, and kenong. Complete Javanese gamelan sets have two distinct tuning systems that are played independently of each other. The set features various melodic and punctuating instruments that take the shape of bronze gongs or bars. The Javanese gamelan orchestra also features hand drums, bowed and plucked string instruments, flutes, and a wooden xylophone