The Complete Guide to Performing Arts (Music) Curriculum

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Performing Arts

2. Core Content Areas

   • 1. Music Fundamentals

   • 2. Creativity in Performance

   • 3. Historical Development

   • 4. Societal Roles

   • 5. Instrument Classification

   • 6. Ghanaian Artists

3. Assessment Framework

4. Career Pathways

5. Key Takeaways

Introduction to Performing Arts <a id="introduction"></a>

Ghana's rich performing arts tradition blends indigenous practices with contemporary forms. This guide breaks down the music curriculum's key competencies from notation to cultural impact.

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Core Content Areas

1. Music Fundamentals <a id="music-fundamentals"></a>

Essential Skills:

• Staff ↔ Tonic solfa transcription (movable doh)

• Scale construction (major/minor)

• Interval calculation

Notation Cheat Sheet:

G Clef Lines: Every Good Boy Does Fine (E-G-B-D-F)
Spaces: F-A-C-E

Practical Exercise: Transpose "Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni" from F to G major

2. Creativity in Performance <a id="creativity"></a>

Theoretical Framework:

• 4Ps of Creativity: Person, Process, Product, Press

• Barriers to innovation in Ghanaian music

• Creative process stages (preparation → verification)

Case Study: How highlife evolved from traditional rhythms

3. Historical Development <a id="history"></a>

Key Milestones:

• 1962: Establishment of Ghana Dance Ensemble

• 1975: National Theatre movement

• 1990s: Contemporary gospel fusion

Did You Know? The first music degree program began at the University of Ghana in 1962.

4. Societal Roles <a id="societal-roles"></a>

Functional Categories:

1. Ceremonial (Funerals, festivals)

2. Artistic (Concert performances)

3. Communal (Social cohesion)

Current Trend: Hiplife as social commentary

5. Instrument Classification <a id="instruments"></a>

Hornbostel-Sachs System:

Listening Exercise: Identify instruments in Osibisa's "Woyaya."

6. Ghanaian Artistes <a id="ghanaian-artistes"></a>

Legends to Know:

• E.T. Mensah (Highlife pioneer)

• Amakye Dede (Soulful highlife)

• Ohemaa Mercy (Gospel icon)

Impact Analysis: How Azonto dance influenced West African pop culture

Assessment Framework <a id="assessment"></a>

Cognitive Weighting:

Music theory carries the highest weighting

Career Pathways <a id="career-pathways"></a>

Emerging Opportunities:

1. Music Therapy (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital)

2. Cultural Tourism (Arts Center curation)

3. Film Scoring (Gollywood productions)

4. Digital Content Creation (TikTok trends)

Income Range: GH₵800 - GH₵15,000 monthly (Session musician to star performer)

Key Takeaways <a id="key-takeaways"></a>

1. Exam Focus:

   • Master notation transposition (movable doh)

   • Analyze instrument timbres

2. Industry Shifts:

   • AI music tools (Boomy, Soundraw)

   • NFT performances (Selling digital collectibles)

3. Learning Resources:

   • Ghana Music Rights Organization

   • The Music of Africa (Kwabena Nketia)