An introduction to music history To know the different periods in the progression of western classical music and to understand how musical characteristics developed through this time.

Initial questions When did music begin? Why do we talk about ‘western’ and ’non western’ musics? Is there a clear definition between popular music and classical music?

Timeline – Western Art Music Dates Musical Period Historical Events 500-1400 The Medieval Period 1400-1600 The Renaissance Period The Tudor period – Henry VIII etc 1600-1750 The Baroque Period Louis XIV in France, several Europpean conflicts including the Franco-Dutch wars 1750-1830 The Classical Period The Georgian Era 1830-1900 The Romantic Period The Victorian Era 1900 - Now The Twentieth Century The Edwardian Era Post WW1 / Pre WW2 / Post WW2

The modern period 1900-Present day To understand the contextual characteristics of jazz music.

Naming chords In grade 5 theory, you will have name chords within a piece using Roman numerals. You will also have to state the inversion that these chords are in. There are two different methods to do this. Remember, before you start, you must figure out which key your given extract is in.

Inversions – method 1 The first method of working out inversions involves using the letters A B and C. If the first note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in root position and is called chord A. If the second note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in first inversion and is called chord B. If the third note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in second inversion and is called chord C.

Inversions – method 2 You can also use the traditional Baroque method of figured bass to state your inversions. To do this, we use the fractions 5/3, 6/3 and 6/4. If the first note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in root position and is called chord 5/3. This is because the other two notes in the chord are 3 and 5 intervals above. If the second note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in first inversion and is called chord 6/3. This is because the other two notes in the chord are 6 and 3 intervals above. If the third note of the chord is at the bottom, this chord is in second inversion and is called chord 6/4. This is because the other two notes in the chord are 6 and 4 intervals above.

Example Lets work through an example.

To understand the contextual characteristics of jazz music.

African roots Slave trade from 16th Century Started off mainly as vocal music Simple harmonies Pentatonic Scales Call and Response Percussion Polyrhythmic

Plantation songs Songs to accompany work Repetitive Rhythmic Call and Response

blues C F G Folksong Often contained lyrics Followed a strict pattern of 3 lines poetry. 12 bar blues C F G

Ragtime Scott Joplin 1868-1917 Inventor of Jazz Swinging syncopation 2 bar break Stride piano March like

Socio Political COnditions Emancipation of slaves African American's could move to urban areas New Orleans Mississippi came under American rule in 1803 Provided a ‘melting pot’ of cultures Rise of Creole population

Traditional jazz Creole subculture Brass band tradition Blues Substantial migration of rural Blacks Musical of all cities New Orleans

Modern jazz instruments Drum Kit Piano Harmonica Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Vocals

Features of the music Use of improvisation Wide note range Heavily ornamented Use of slides and bends Scalic Use of broken chords / arpeggios Fast notes / Triplets Syncopation Swung / Dotted rhythms Walking Bass Line

Jazz chords There are typical chords in jazz music that are called ‘added chords’ – some extra notes can be added to the normal chords E.g. C chord – CEG  add the 6th note of the scale = A Therefore, a C jazz chord = CEGA This is known as a C6 chord (the 6th note of the scale is added to your chord)

Chords taks Using the tones and semitones pattern work out what 4 notes you will need to create a 6th chord from one of the following: F_ _ _ G _ _ _

Chords Task - Answers Using the tones and semitones pattern work out what 4 notes you will need to create a 6th chord from one of the following: FACD GBDE

Composers Duke Ellington Charlie Parker Miles Davis Louis Armstrong Dizzie Gillespie Oscar Peterson George Gershwin Dave Brubeck

Improvisation task In pairs, have a go at improvising around a 12 bar blues. One person will play the chords, the other will be improvising. Once completed, swap over. The chords you will be using are: E flat major – E flat, G, B flat (chord 1) A flat major – A flat, C, E flat (chord 4) B flat major – B flat, D, F (chord 5) The person improvising will improvise around the pentatonic scale on C sharp – black keys only.

Homework Listen to any piece by George Gershwin. Be prepared for discussion next week. General revision for the upcoming mock exam. Keeping up with your listening diaries.