This activity uses samples of world music available from the BBC and helps primary or secondary pupils identify where different styles of music come from. I have suggested seven different samples of music but there are 13 available in total so you might prefer to use different ones.

The music is from these places/cultures:

• Bali
• Cameroon
• India
• Japan
• Native American
• North Africa
• Mexico

Aims

Content

• World music styles

• Various instruments from around the world

Language

• Lexis – various countries and musical instruments

• Skills – speaking / writing

Preparation

• Get a world map, either 1 large or several for groups of pupils.
• The music clips used here cannot be downloaded so you will need an internet connection in your classroom to play the music. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/subjects/music/clipslibrary/) Scroll down to 'Context – Geographical locations' and click to access the clips.
• Print and cut up the worksheet for groups of pupils.

Procedure

1. EITHER give pupils in groups a world map and the worksheet (click here), cut up and tell them to put the place names on the map, OR using a large world map at the front of the class ask pupils if they know where the countries are. You may need to help them if their knowledge of geography is limited.
2. Tell pupils that they are going to listen to some music from these places and ask if they know anything about it, e.g. types of instruments used, rhythm, etc depending on their knowledge of musical terms.
3. Play the samples one at a time and after each one ask pupils to guess where each one comes from. Ask pupils what instruments they can hear in each sample and other characteristics of the music. Help with unknown vocabulary. Then play the sample again.
4. Play the samples again, in random order and ask pupils to say where it is from.

Extension
Pupils can now try to compose their own world music (if they have the musical skills) using available instruments. They can then describe their music, either orally or in writing.

By Chris Baldwin

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