Lesson Eight: Cultural Identity

In various parts of the world, people listen to music that has been influenced by different eras, composers and cultures. Global mass communications have had a profound effect on the popular music of the world's cultures. However, each culture has composers, musical styles, instruments and music traditions that are commonly associated with that culture.

•examine, analyse and interpret the work of musicians and composers within the music's cultural and historical context

Using resources such as World Music or Music: Its Role and Importance in our Lives, play examples of traditional music of the world's cultures. For example, explore the interlocking, syncopated rhythms of Balinese music called kotekan (ko-TEH-kahn).

•understand and use musical forms (CEL: C)

Choose several examples for analysis. Use a process such as "Responding to Arts Expressions". Explore the rhythms and forms of the selections.

•continue to analyse the use of form in music and use form purposefully in the music they create

Help students gain an understanding of the music by engaging in percussion, vocalization, movement, etc. to explore rhythms, forms and music concepts appropriate to each piece.

Attempt to identify the types of instruments heard and examine ways in which voices are used. Try to determine the country of origin for each example.

•apply and extend understanding of the elements of music and principles of composition in all their music experiences

•continue to represent their compositions and other music experiences with invented and traditional notation

Ask pairs or groups of students to create their own simple compositions using rhythms and forms similar to those studied. Observe as they work, noting their contributions on anecdotal record-keeping forms.

Have students use invented and conventional musical notation when analysing the examples and when creating their own compositions.