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Rhythms of the World (Area of Study 3)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the features of Central and South American music, and how do you recognise the main styles?

The music of Central and South America: samba (Brazil), salsa (Cuba and Latin America), and Caribbean calypso and soca, covering the clave, syncopation and interlocking percussion, and instruments such as the surdo, agogo, congas and steel pans, for Area of Study 3.
A focused answer to the music of Central and South America in OCR GCSE Music J536 Area of Study 3, covering samba, salsa and Caribbean calypso and soca, the clave, syncopation and interlocking percussion, and instruments such as the surdo, agogo, congas and steel pans.
11 min answer →

What are the features of the music of India and the Indian subcontinent, and how do you recognise it?

The music of India and the Indian subcontinent: Indian classical music (raga, tala, the drone), the sitar, tabla and tambura, and the popular dance style bhangra with the dhol, for Area of Study 3.
A focused answer to the music of India and the Indian subcontinent in OCR GCSE Music J536 Area of Study 3, covering Indian classical music (raga, tala, the drone), the sitar, tabla and tambura, and the dance style bhangra with the dhol.
11 min answer →

What are the features of the music of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and how do you recognise it?

The music of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East: the maqam melodic system, odd and additive metres (7/8, 9/8), ornamented melody and improvisation, and instruments such as the oud, bouzouki and darbuka, for Area of Study 3.
A focused answer to the music of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East in OCR GCSE Music J536 Area of Study 3, covering the maqam melodic system, odd and additive metres such as 7/8 and 9/8, ornamented melody, and instruments such as the oud, bouzouki and darbuka.
11 min answer →

What are the features of West African music, and how do you recognise it?

The music of Africa: West African drumming and the role of percussion, polyrhythm and cross-rhythm, call and response, the master drummer and the ensemble, and instruments such as the djembe, dundun and balafon, for Area of Study 3.
A focused answer to the music of Africa in OCR GCSE Music J536 Area of Study 3, covering West African drumming, polyrhythm and cross-rhythm, call and response, the master drummer, and instruments such as the djembe, dundun and balafon.
11 min answer →