Follow this link to watch revision videos on AOS3 - Rhythms of the world
Follow this link to download a PLC for the different styles in Area of Study 3.
What is World Music?
In this section, you will be looking at traditional and popular music originating from outside Western Europe and the United States.
This is often referred to as "world music", a term that covers a huge number of genres and cultures.
Studying the following types of "world music" will hopefully give you an understanding of the very different approaches taken to rhythm, melody and harmony:
- India and the Punjab region, specifically Indian Classical Music and Punjabi Bhangra
- The Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East specifically Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music
- Africa, specifically traditional African drumming
- Central and South America, specifically Calypso and Samba.
Things to consider when learning about world music:
- Instruments - You are likely to encounter unfamiliar instruments. These may have similarities to instruments you already recognise, but they will sound different and will be played in a specific way.
- Culture - The music you will be studying will usually have an important role in the lives of the people who perform and listen to it. It may be music of celebration, or linked to religion, or simply used in daily life. This is important to remember when listening.
- Elements - You will still be able to refer to the elements of music (such as texture and structure) when describing the music.
- Artists and Composers - Most of the world music you study will not be associated with specific composers, as it will have been passed down through generations in an aural tradition. However, there may be some important artists to consider.
- Vocabulary - You will come across many new words in this section, including names of instruments and specific musical features. You will be unlikely to learn every new term, but it is a good idea to keep a list of the most important ones.