Characteristics of folk songs
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain some key characteristics of folk music and can perform a simple pentatonic folk melody.
Key learning points
- Folk music encompasses many traditions from around the world that have been passed through generations orally.
- They are varied, but have some common characteristics.
- These include repetition of musical ideas and the use of simple, conjunct melodies with a small range.
- Many are based on the pentatonic scale, which includes five notes.
- Xtoles is an ancient Maya song that is thought to have been sung by warriors.
Keywords
Folk music - the traditional music of a culture that is passed down through generations
Pentatonic scale - a common scale in folk music, consisting of five different notes
Conjunct - when there are small changes in pitch between one note and the next (moving by ‘step’)
Phrase - a short section of a melody, normally lasting 1, 2 or 4 bars
Common misconception
Folk music all sounds the same.
Many folk traditions have shared characteristics, primarily because of the way that the music was passed between generations, but folk music is incredibly diverse, and covers lots of different types of music from different cultures and times.
Teacher tip
Many folk melodies from different traditions use the pentatonic scale. To extend learning, consider challenging pupils to research and learn a pentatonic folk melody from a different culture. This would also lend itself to learning by ear for experienced pupils, as many folk melodies are simple.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
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