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.