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

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

1. Voice: breathing from the diaphragm, posture, diction, intonation.
2. Instrument: correct handling, tuning, steady tempo.
3. Dance: coordination, formation, expressive movement, costume.
4. 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.