Most classical musicians, whether in orchestral or ensemble situations, will have to face a piece by composers such as Ligeti, Messiaen, Varèse or Xenakis. Improvisers encounter music influenced by Dave Holland, Steve Coleman, Aka Moon, Weather Report, Irakere or elements from the Balkans, India, Africa or Cuba.

Rafael Reina argues that today's music demands a new approach to rhythmical training. This approach will provide musicians with the necessary tools to accurately face more varied and complex rhythmical concepts, while maintaining the emotional content.

Reina uses the architecture of the South Indian Karnatic rhythmical system to enhance and radically change the teaching of rhythmical solfège at a higher education level. He demonstrates how this learning can influence the creation and interpretation of complex contemporary classical and jazz music.

The book is designed for classical and jazz performers, as well as creators—be they composers or improvisers. It is a clear and complete guide that will enable future solfège teachers and students to use these techniques and their methodology to greatly improve their rhythmical skills. An accompanying website of audio examples helps to explain each technique.

For examples of composed and improvised pieces by students who have studied this book, as well as concerts by highly acclaimed Karnatic musicians, please copy this link to your browser: http://www.contemporary-music-through-non-western-techniques.com/pages/1587-video-recordings