Unit 36Studying Music from

Around the World

1 Know the role of music in different cultures

2 Know the musical features of a range of world music traditions

3 Know some of the influences of world music on different genres of western music

4 Be able to carry out a world music project.

Assignment 1: Know the role of music in different cultures

- P1 describe the role of music in a range of different cultures- M1 explain the role of music in a range of different cultures- D1 compare and contrast the role of music in a range of different cultures

Title: ‘The Role of Music in a Range of Cultures’

Format: written presentation (Word and/or PowerPoint)

PASS: Have you described the role of music in at least five different cultures?

Choose at least 3 different roles for 6 different cultures Have you included video/audio examples to illustrate the statements you

make? Have you written about the following:

- A brief geographical, demographic, religious, and historical introduction?- The role music plays as being either religious, ritual, recreational, social?- How the music contributes to the event?

MERIT: Do you explain how the roles of music work within different cultures? (Use

the word ‘by’ and go in depth) Do you explain why music has such an effect? (Use the word ‘because’) You could discuss how/why the elements of music have an impact on the

event:- Melody: in what way does the pitch, melody, scale have a significance?- Rhythm: what role does the rhythm have?- Structure: is there a specific structure that follows the event?- Harmony: in what way does the harmony (major, minor, modal, pentatonic)

enhance the experience?- Instrumentation (including vocals): what instruments/voices are used for that role

and why, in your opinion?- Texture: are there many instruments/voices or few and in what way does it

reflect the needs of the event?- Tempo: is the speed slow, fast, moderate and why?

DISTINCTION: Do you compare the role music has in the six different cultures you have

discussed above? Do you discuss the similarities and differences in the role of music, in the

cultures you have chosen? Do you discuss how the elements of music contribute to the necessary

atmosphere, setting for the event?

Assignment 2: Know the musical features of a range of world music traditions

- P1 identify the musical features from a range of world music traditions- M1 describe the musical features from a range of world music traditions- D1 compare and contrast the musical features from a range of world music

traditions

Title: ‘Musical Features in World Music

Format: audio/video evidence for DVD, tutor observation.

PASS: Do you provide evidence of knowledge of the musical features of at least six

world music traditions for a DVD presentation? Is it evidenced through a combination of reflective (aural) and practical work? Do you respond to questions asked from the tutor about the instrumental style

you are using for that culture? Have you made a list of features about the following:

- The structural and theoretical organisation of musical traditions: polyrhythm, polyphony, melodic cycles, rhythmic cycles, improvisation, scales, melodies, call and response

- Styles and characteristics: influences, forms, historic development, geographical location, improvisation, specialised ethnic instrumentation, scales, rhythms and harmony, polyrhythm, ragas, ostinatos, polyphony, melodic cycles, rhythmic cycles, improvisation, scales, melodies, call and response

- Vocal styles and techniques: ensembles, a cappella, chants, yodelling, overtone singing, improvisation, hocketing

MERIT: Do you describe the features listed above (use ‘by’ and ‘because’)?

DISTINCTION Do you compare and contrast the features identified and described above? Do you evaluate why these features have an effect on the music overall?

Assignment 3: Know some of the influences of world music on different genres of western music

- P1 identify ways in which elements of world music have been used in western music, giving examples

- M1 describe ways in which elements of world music have been used in western music, giving examples

- D1 comment critically on ways in which elements of world music have been used in western music, giving examples

Title: ‘World Music Elements in Western Music’

Format: audio examples, written script

PASS: Do you explore the ways in which elements of world music have been used in

western music, giving at least six examples, for a radio show? Do you identify which elements of world music influence the chosen western

example:- Melody: ¼ tones, bended notes, improvisation, the structure of the melody (i.e.

cyclic)?- Rhythm: the rhythmic elements (i.e. polyrhythms or typical rhythmic pattern)?- Structure: the structure of the piece (i.e. call-and-response)?- Harmony: the scale (i.e. raga, pentatonic, modal)?- Instrumentation: the instruments/vocal style (i.e. tambura or sitar, bongos,

bodhran, Uilleann pipes)?- Tempo: does the world music influence the tempo of the song/music (i.e. tempo

of a dance)?- Texture: the amount of instruments/voices in the group (i.e. is it thick or thin due

to its world influences)?- Intention: is the intention of the song/music influenced by world music (spiritual,

dance, ceremonious)?

MERIT: Do you describe the above by going into detail (‘this is ‘by/ because…)?

DISTINCTION Do you comment critically on the use of world music elements in western

music, by comparing the use of the same element in different examples? For example: Spanish/Latin rhythms/instruments in ‘Carmen’ by George Bizet

and ‘La Isla Bonita’ by Madonna.

Assignment 4: Be able to carry out a world music project

- P1 present a world music project in an appropriate format incorporating some ideas and learning

- M1 present a world music project in an appropriate format that demonstrates a significant development of ideas and relevant skills

- D1 present a world music project in an appropriate format that incorporates a high level of creativity and relevant technical skills

Title: ‘World Music Project’ Can be a group or individual project

Format: video, programme notes, tutor observation

PASS: Have you prepared and performed at least two contrasting pieces of world

music? (It is not compulsory to play on ‘world’ instruments) Do you demonstrate your understanding of the musical techniques and styles

that are inherent in the chosen world music genre? Do you include programme notes that give the contextual background to the

music: where and when it would be performed?

MERIT:

Do you develop the technical and musical idioms from your chosen world music by paying attention to detail?

Do you perform with confidence and assurance? Do you describe the musical elements of the world music in your programme

notes?

DISTINCTION Do you perform the technical and musical idioms from you chosen world

music creatively and with flair? Do you analyse why the musical elements contribute to the context of the

music?