Midi Files

Why not listen to some Blues music while browsing through this section?

	Holiday Blues  23kb
	Blues for Piano  10kb
	Sweet 16 by BB King  77kb
	Why I sing the Blues by BB King  137kb

Focus

Within this unit of study we will develop our listening and appraising skills by listening to a variety of blues music.  In particular we will develop an awareness of the blues style, recognising its origins and the purpose of the songs.  We will enhance our understanding of chord progressions using the primary chords and learn about the 12 bar blues.  We will rehearse and perform music in the style and compose our own 12 bar blues sequence.

You will learn to

Identify blues music and the instruments used Develop an understanding of the style and purpose of the music, with particular focus at the history of slavery and the slave trade Develop an awareness of the development of instruments over time Increase our understanding of primary chords and chords sequences Understand the 12 bar blues and play this sequence on the keyboard Respond to and evaluate different types of blues music Identify and perform Boogie Woogie parts Plan and rehearse blues performances/compositions for recording

You will learn about

Primary chords (revision) 12 bar blues Boogie woogie bass parts Instruments used Meaning of words Slave trade - triangle Blues notes

Your work will show

Knowledge of the musical styles and forms used in Blues music and famous composers - Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole..... Understanding and awareness of social, cultural and historical influences such as the Slave Trade Good listening skills and understanding of chords - primary, cadence, progressions The ability to work well on your own and with others in performance work A thorough understanding of 12 bar blues sequence in composition An awareness of Blues notes and how they are used The ability to fit part with others in class performance

Your finished work will include

A written record of listening tasks Well researched and written homework in your own words A project  A recording of a 12 bar blues composition