Music Theory and Performance Skills
Staff notation
Music is written on a staff of five lines and four spaces. A clef fixes pitch: treble (G) clef for higher voices and instruments, bass (F) clef for lower ones.
- Treble lines: E G B D F; spaces: F A C E.
- Bass lines: G B D F A; spaces: A C E G.
Note values
| Note | Beats |
|---|---|
| Semibreve | 4 |
| Minim | 2 |
| Crotchet | 1 |
| Quaver | 1/2 |
| Semiquaver | 1/4 |
A dot adds half the note's value: a dotted minim has 3 beats. Rests mirror note values.
Time signatures
- 2/4: two crotchet beats per bar (march).
- 3/4: three beats (waltz).
- 4/4: four beats (common time).
- 6/8: six quavers in two groups of three.
Scales and keys
A major scale follows tone-tone-semitone-tone-tone-tone-semitone. C major has no sharps or flats. G major has F#. F major has B flat.
The minor scale (natural) follows tone-semitone-tone-tone-semitone-tone-tone. A minor is the relative minor of C major.
Intervals and chords
An interval is the distance between two notes. A triad has three notes: root, third, fifth. Primary chords I, IV, V (C, F, G in C major) are used to harmonise melodies. Cadences end phrases: perfect (V-I), imperfect (I-V).
Dynamics and tempo
- Dynamics: p (soft), mp, mf, f (loud), crescendo, diminuendo.
- Tempo: largo (slow), andante (walking pace), allegro (fast).
Kenyan music
- Instruments: nyatiti (Luo), orutu (Luo fiddle), isiriba, chepkong (Kalenjin lyre), ngoma drums, kayamba (Mijikenda), wandindi (Kikuyu).
- Styles: benga, taarab, gospel, ohangla, Kalenjin work songs, and contemporary genge.
- Dances: Isukuti (Luhya), Mugithi dance, Adumu (Maasai jumping dance), Chakacha (coast).
- Songs often use call and response, repetition and polyrhythm.
Performance skills
- Voice: breathing from the diaphragm, posture, diction, intonation.
- Instrument: correct handling, tuning, steady tempo.
- Dance: coordination, formation, expressive movement, costume.
- Stage presence: eye contact, confidence, teamwork.
Warm-up before performing, rehearse with a conductor or leader and evaluate recordings afterwards.
Composition
Compose short melodies by selecting a key, a time signature, a four-bar rhythm and ending with a cadence. Add lyrics that promote national values such as unity and conservation.
Worked example
Write a bar in 3/4: dotted minim = 3 beats, which fills the bar. Another option is crotchet + crotchet + crotchet.
Try it
- Write the G major scale and mark the semitone steps.
- Compose a four-bar melody in 4/4 ending on the tonic.
- Prepare and perform one Kenyan folk song with call and response.