Understanding music
Music literacy
Composers use a range of signs and symbols to convey how they want their music to be played. Learning to recognise these instructions is an important skill to develop.
Understanding musical signs and symbols
Composers use a range of signs and symbols to convey how they want their music to be played. Understanding these will help you perform more accurately and with more style.
Understanding musical terms
Composers use a range of musical terms to convey how they want their music to be played. Understanding these will make you perform more accurately and with more style.
Scottish music
Scottish instrumental and vocal music is an essential part of Scottish culture and is associated with dancing and storytelling. Much of Scottish traditional music remains unchanged to this day.
World music
World music refers to traditional music from non-western cultures around the globe as well as traditional folk music from western countries. The music is an important part of the culture.
Popular music styles
Popular music is a general term covering the many different styles and genres of music around since the late 18th Century that are considered to be part of modern everyday culture.
Musical periods and styles
Composers have developed musical styles throughout history. Different periods and styles of music can be recognised by key musical features and how composers have used them in their work.
Video playlist
Rock. Video
An example of Rock. Glasgow-based indie band Fatherson perform ‘Lost Little Boys’.
The Specials perform 'A Message To You Rudy' Video
'A Message to you Rudy' is performed live on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ show by British group The Specials.
Musical. Video
Madonna sings ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’ from the musical ‘Evita’.
Reggae. Video
An example of Reggae. The Wailers perform ‘Stir it up’.
Jimmy Cliff performs 'Many Rivers to Cross' Video
Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff OM performs his own 1969 hit song 'Many Rivers to Cross'.
Rock 'n' Roll. Video
Bill Haley performs ‘Rock Around the Clock’.
Reggae band Aswad perform 'African Children' Video
British reggae group Aswad perform 'African Children' live on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ television.
Opera. Video
A clip from the opera film ‘Juan’.