Exploring Musical Styles from around the World
Exploring Musical Styles from around the World
Africa:
- Recognise the importance of oral tradition in African music - most tunes and rhythms are passed down by word of mouth rather than written down.
- Understand the integral role of percussion in African music, especially the djembé (a type of drum).
- Inspect the use of call and response found in many African songs.
- Explore the idea of music as part of everyday life and community, from ceremonies to storytelling.
Asia:
- Appreciate the variety across different Asian regions, from the classical ragas of India, to the pentatonic scale-based music of China.
- Study the influence of religious and philosophical ideas, such as Buddhism or Taoism, on the music of these regions.
- Understand the significance of traditional instruments like the sitar in India, the erhu in China, and the shakuhachi in Japan.
Europe:
- Learn about Western Classical tradition, from the Baroque period to the modern day.
- Inspect how Folk music varies from country to country, but often reflects the culture, history and geography of a region.
- Acquaint yourself with the Opera tradition in Italy, the Fado songs of Portugal, and the Flamenco of Spain, amongst others.
North America:
- Get familiar with the evolution of Jazz in America, from its roots in African-American communities to its various modern styles.
- Understand the origins and diversity of Country music, especially in relation to regional differences.
- Identify the influence of Latin America on music styles like Salsa, Merengue and Bossa Nova.
South America:
- Engage with the important role of dance in Latin American music, as seen in genres such as Tango, Samba, and Rumba.
- Recognise the influence of African rhythms, as well as Indigenous and European elements, in South American music.
- Understand the notable instruments such as the maracas, bandoneon and pan pipes that are commonly used in these regions.
Australia & Oceania:
- Investigate the relationship between music and the cultural practices and beliefs of Indigenous Australians, such as the use of the didgeridoo.
- Explore the link between music and story-telling, particularly in Pacific cultures, with a focus on music's role in the oral tradition.
Remember: While learning about different world music styles, pay attention to not only the musical elements but also the cultural, historical, and social aspects that influence these styles. This knowledge will not only improve your understanding of music but also broaden your perspective as a musician.