Traditional (world)

Question 1

Dynamics

Answer 1

Often shaped by natural acoustics and ensemble size, not studio production.
Live performance energy – dynamics change naturally with intensity (e.g. louder group drumming in African music).
Call-and-response sections may use dynamic contrast.
In fusion, studio effects (e.g. compression or reverb) may impact dynamic range.
Dynamics often support dance or ritual purpose – energetic, driving.

Question 2

Rhythm and meter

Answer 2

Polyrhythms (multiple rhythms layered) – especially in African drumming.
Syncopation and offbeat patterns – common in reggae, samba, salsa.
Use of clave rhythms in Latin music.
Metres can be complex or irregular (e.g. 7/8 Balkan, 12/8 African).
Percussion drives rhythm – drums, shakers, bells often lead.
Rhythms reflect dance traditions, often repetitive and cyclical.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Cyclical forms: repeating patterns, often with improvisation (e.g. African, Indian, Latin music).
Call and response shapes structure (e.g. West African vocals or drumming).
Verse–chorus and 12-bar blues may appear in folk or fusion.
In traditional storytelling, structure may follow lyrics or narrative.
Fusion pieces may use Western pop structures blended with traditional sections.

Question 4

Melody

Answer 4

Use of modes, pentatonic or heptatonic scales (e.g. Raga in Indian music, Dorian in Celtic).
Ornamentation: pitch bends, slides, grace notes, microtonal inflections.
Call and response in vocal or instrumental parts.
Vocal melodies may use narrow range (folk) or wide, expressive range (African or Indian).
Melody often shaped by cultural or religious tradition (chants, folk tales).
In fusion, melody might blend traditional modal scales with Western harmony.

Question 5

Instrumentation/timre

Answer 5

African: djembe, talking drum, balafon, kora.
Latin American: congas, bongos, cuíca, panpipes, charango.
Caribbean/Reggae: steel pans, electric bass, offbeat guitar.
Celtic: fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, accordion.
Folk: banjo, acoustic guitar, harmonica.
Fusion: blends traditional with electric guitars, synths, drum kits, or DJ effects.
Timbre often bright, rhythmic, earthy, linked to hand-crafted instruments

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

Layered textures: different instruments play interlocking rhythms or melodies.
Heterophonic texture (e.g. multiple versions of the same melody).
Monophonic chant or solo singing in some folk or religious pieces.
Call and response = antiphonal texture.
Drone accompaniment (e.g. in Celtic or Indian music).
In fusion, look for contrast between acoustic and electronic textures.

Question 7

Harmony and tonality

Answer 7

Many traditions are modal, not major/minor (e.g. Dorian, Mixolydian).
Some use pentatonic scales (e.g. African, Asian, folk traditions).
Harmony often less complex – may be drone-based, or unharmonised melodies.
Western folk may use I–IV–V progressions; reggae uses tonal but syncopated harmony.
Fusion pieces may add jazz chords, chromaticism, or tonal modulation.