WEST AFRICAN MUSIC UNIT for Middle School General Music

This collection can be a stand-alone unit for your middle school general music class, or it can supplement activities centered around West African Music or Culture. It is the perfect addition for teachers who use Hal Leonard’s World Music Drumming program and can also be used outside the music classroom to add an extra element to a world geography curriculum. All articles are created explicitly for Middle School students and are written at a grade 6-8 reading level. Music literacy is not necessary, so you can even leave these activities for your sub!

NOTE: you MUST extract the files from the zip file in order to open them. Right-click on the zip folder and select "Extract All."

Each lesson includes:

• A 1-page PDF article (middle school reading level)
• A fill-in-the-blank check for understanding (with answer key)
  • A copy with form fields is also provided for those doing distance learning.

• A PPT version of the article for a class read-aloud or distance learning
• Links to videos and activities that demonstrate the topic

The Topics Covered include:

• Instruments
  • The Djembe
  • The Mbira
  • The Kora
  • The Talking Drum
  • The Shekere

• West African Vocal Styles
• West African Dance Styles

Each PPT file includes blank slides for embedding videos or adding additional text. 

PDFs - For copyright purposes, PDFs are password-protected from editing or copying, but buyers can view, print, and share all PDFs.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me through the “Ask a question” section on the product page. If this product worked in your classroom, don’t forget to leave a review and receive credits you can use to purchase other TPT products!

Looking for more world music units? Check out:

IRISH MUSIC UNIT for Middle School General Music

MARIACHI MUSIC UNIT for Middle School General Music

For more fun middle school music activities, check out:

MUSICIAN BIOGRAPHY Project: A Middle School Music Research Project

MUSIC and the BRAIN: A Google Forms Unit for Middle School or Junior High

INTERVIEW with a MUSICIAN: A Middle School Music RESEARCH Project

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