Music
Music and Mathematics
Explore Greek ideas, largely Pythagorean, about
mathematics and harmonic series.
http://cnx.org/content/m11638/latest/
http://library.thinkquest.org/18160/mathmus.htm
Origins of Musical Instruments
The earliest existing example of a song dates from 4,000 years ago. There is
a lot of speculation about the earliest instruments. Flutes made from animal
bones have been found from 37,000 years ago. It is possible that the earliest
instruments may have been forms of percussion, for example bamboo struck
for rhythm. Conch shells were used like trumpets (and continue to be used in
some parts of the world). The saxophone and piano are relatively new
instruments. The harmonica is said to be descended from the Chinese sheng.
Students could explore various forms of harps and tambours around the world
and the development of the guitar. What is the earliest existing example of a
guitar like instrument? Har-Mose’s guitar like instrument from 3500 years ago
in Egypt. Students could research different types of drums and the function of
drumming in various cultures (drummer boys in European armies, drums in
Buddhist temples).
Earliest musical instrument found – BBC article
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8117915.stm
Early musical instruments
http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/tp/musicalinstrument.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_music
Musical Instruments
Modern electronic instruments are used across the world,
new instruments are being invented, there is a huge range
of musical instruments. Students could explore instruments
from around the world, ancient and modern and find
examples of the music they make.
List of musical instruments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_musical_instruments
Religious or spiritual significance of music
Music has religious or spiritual significance in many
cultures. Some Christians and Muslims feel music is
harmful and takes you away from god. Music palys a
very important part in some Christian churches. In
Islam the Qur’ran is recited in very specific ways and
music has no other role in the mosque but Sufis use
music widely. Many other religions use music and song.
Students can explore diverse attitudes towards music
within faiths and in different faiths.
Bhajans – Hindu deveotional songs
http://hinduism.about.com/od/audiomusic/a/bhajan.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQiifdC_6Os
Candomblé Music – music of a sycretic religion of Brazil
http://www.suite101.com/content/the-music-of-candomble-and-afoxea132140
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4i9aiAfVjo&feature=related
Gregorian Chant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_chant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ela-Z7HqqS8
Qawwali – from Islamic music from Northern India and Pakistan
http://www.qawwal.com/about_us.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTG_WIU8AUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkiWrFGjW5Q
Musical Genres
Students can search for a range of musical genres and make brief
presentations on a genre giving its origins, spread, accompanying dance
styles and the instruments used. Students should be encouraged to explore
traditional music, classical styles and popular music.
Listed below are styles student could explore:
Afrobeat, Sabar, Klezmer, Samba, Salsa, Funaná, Highlife, Makosa,
Rhumba, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, Mambo, Bogaloo, Bachata, Baille
Funk, Lambada, Bhangra, Batucada, Benga, Marzuka (Polish and French
Caribbean), Gwo Ka and Gwo Ka Moderne, Biguine, Ghazal, Qwwali, Mento,
Rock Steady, Ska, Logobi (dance/music), Palm Wine, Parang, Bolero, Go Go,
Bossa Nova, Kuduro, Cajun, Calyso, Soca, Charanga, Gaita, Choro, Gnawa,
Chutney Soca, Coupé-Décalé, Punk, New Wave, New Jack Swing, Tango,
New Tango, Afro-Peruvian, Kaiso, Mariachi, Rara, Rebetiko, Rapso, Sega,
Vallenato,
Examples and information and about these gengres can be found on Youtube,
Wikipedia and other sources on the internet.