How is music in some West African countries taught and learnt?

How is music in some West African countries taught and learnt?

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will explore more features of African music. What is a griot? What is the role of music in West African society? We will learn the answers to these questions in this lesson, and have an opportunity to be a griot!

Licence

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5 Questions

Q1.
What is ternary form?
A structure that alternates between a refrain and episodes.
A structure used in pop songs with intro, verse, chorus and outro sections.
Correct answer: A structure with a section (A) that repeats after a contrasting (B) section.
Q2.
How can we turn two sections into a ternary (ABA) form?
Add a C section.
Compose a new section.
Correct answer: Repeat the first A section at the end.
Q3.
What is a 'link' section?
Correct answer: A short part of music that connects one section to another.
A stop signal.
The ropes that connect the skin of the djembe to the wood.
Q4.
How can we add interest to a structure?
Change songs half way through.
Correct answer: Develop the section that repeats.
Remove the B section.
Q5.
Which of the following is not a way to develop a section?
Add or remove notes
Change dynamics
Change sonority
Correct answer: Remove the entire section

5 Questions

Q1.
What is a griot?
Correct answer: It is a person who communicates stories through generations by an oral tradition.
It is a specific type of song, that is taught through an oral tradition.
It is another name for a drummer, who teaches music.
Q2.
How do you become a griot?
You can apply to be a griot when you are old enough.
You can volunteer to be a griot at any age.
Correct answer: You have to be born a griot. It is inherited.
Q3.
At what occasion would music not usually be played?
Baptism
Funeral
Wedding
Correct answer: When dinner is ready
Q4.
What is an oral tradition?
Correct answer: The passing of information from generation to generation.
The passing of information from one community to another.
The tradition of only singing and not talking.
Q5.
What is western notation?
A grid that contains symbols and shapes showing us where to play the notes.
Correct answer: A system of visually represented music we hear on a stave using various symbols.
A tradition whereby music is learned by call and response.

Lesson appears in

UnitMusic / West African Music