Sri Lanka GCE Ordinary Level - Western Music

This course explores Western music, encompassing theory, history, performance, and appreciation. It aims to develop students' musical skills, knowledge, and appreciation of Western musical traditions. The following summarizes key aspects of the syllabus based on available resources. Note that this information is based on the 2015 syllabus and assessment criteria from 2020 and may not reflect the most current version. It is recommended to consult official resources from the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka for the latest syllabus details.

Course Content:

• Programme Music: This section introduces the concept of programme music, which is music that tells a story or depicts a scene. Students explore examples such as Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" and Saint-Saëns's "Carnival of the Animals," analyzing the musical devices used to evoke specific imagery and emotions.
• Sri Lankan Music - Nurthi & Nadagam: This section delves into two forms of Sri Lankan folk theatre, Nurthi and Nadagam. Students learn about their history, characteristics, musical elements, and key figures like C. Don Bastian and John de Silva.
• Composers of the Romantic & Late Romantic Periods: Students study the lives and works of prominent composers from the Romantic and Late Romantic periods (1830-1900), including Mendelssohn, Brahms, Wagner, Debussy, and Ravel. They analyze the characteristics of Romantic music and develop an understanding of the composers' individual styles.
• Types and Styles of Music: This section covers various Western musical genres, including opera, oratorio, symphony, and lieder. Students learn about the characteristics of each genre and explore representative works.
• Recorder Playing: Students learn to play the recorder, focusing on basic techniques, note reading, and simple melodies. They also explore works by composers like Mozart and Liszt.
• Brass Instruments: This section introduces the brass instruments of the orchestra, including the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Students learn about their construction, tone production, and roles within the orchestra.
• Music Theory: This section covers various theoretical concepts, including alto and tenor clefs, transposition, ornaments, time signatures, melodic minor scales, intervals, triads, chords, cadences, four-part harmony, and irregular note groups (triplets and duplets).
• Rhythmic and Melodic Dictation: Students develop their aural skills through rhythmic and melodic dictation exercises.
• Sight Singing and Vocal Exercises: Students practice sight-singing and vocal exercises to improve their vocal technique and musicianship.
• Musical Form and Analysis: Students learn about musical form, focusing on variation form, and analyze how musical elements are used to create structure and expression.
• Musicals: This section introduces the genre of musicals, exploring their history, characteristics, and popular examples.
• Conducting: Students learn basic conducting patterns for different time signatures.

Assessment:

The GCE Ordinary Level Western Music examination assesses students' knowledge and skills through a combination of listening tests, performance assessments (recorder, piano/other instrument, and singing), sight-reading, scales, and practical activities involving rhythm, melody, and improvisation.

This comprehensive approach equips students with a well-rounded understanding of Western music, fostering both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.