Year 8
How is melody and rhythm used in some Ghanaian music?
Year 8
How is melody and rhythm used in some Ghanaian music?
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In this lesson, we will explore the musical features of two songs from Ghana which have rhythmic accompaniments.
Licence
This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.
Loading...
5 Questions
Q1.
What is a griot?
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.
Q3.
At what occasion would music not usually be played?
Baptism
Funeral
Wedding
Q4.
What is an oral tradition?
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.
A tradition whereby music is learned by call and response.
5 Questions
Q1.
What does 'Mede brebre masi ta' mean?
I don't like slow walkers
I go quickly, I walk quickly
Q2.
What would western musicians say the time signature of Mede brebre masi ta was?
3/4
4/4
Q3.
Is this song strictly 'a cappella'?
No - It is a for singers and a band
Yes - it is just for vocalists
Q4.
What is a polyrhythm?
Two instruments playing the same rhythm at the same time
Two rhythms that interweave with each other
Q5.
What is a cyclic rhythm?
A rhythm that changes after 2 bars
A rhythm that changes after 4 bars
A rhythm that doesn’t change