Nigerian Musical Instruments and Sounds Lesson Plan for Primary 4

CULTURAL AND CREATIVE ARTS LESSON NOTE

Second Term, Week 6

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts

Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: 6

Topic: Nigerian Musical Instruments and the Sounds They Produce

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify and name traditional musical instruments from their culture or tribe.
2. Demonstrate how these instruments are played and the sounds they produce.
3. Draw, play, or describe traditional musical instruments from their culture.

Learning Activities

• Pupils will work in small groups to discuss and pick a local traditional musical instrument from their culture.
• A group representative will demonstrate how the instrument is played and the sounds it produces.
• Individually, pupils will draw, play, or describe their chosen traditional instrument.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Communication and Collaboration
• Creativity and Imagination
• Leadership Skills and Personal Development

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures and labeled diagrams of Nigerian musical instruments.
• Audio or video clips showcasing the sounds of traditional instruments.

Content

Introduction to Nigerian Musical Instruments

Nigeria has a diverse musical culture with traditional instruments that vary across tribes. These instruments play key roles in ceremonies, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

Examples of Nigerian Musical Instruments

1. Talking Drum (Yoruba)
   • Description: Hourglass-shaped percussion instrument.
   • How It’s Played: Struck with a curved stick while squeezing its ropes.
   • Sound: Mimics human voice tones and rhythms.
2. Shekere (Yoruba)
   • Description: Gourd covered with a bead net.
   • How It’s Played: Shaken to produce a rattling sound.
3. Omele (Yoruba)
   • Description: Pair of small, handheld drums.
   • How It’s Played: Played with hands to create rhythmic sounds.
4. Agogo (Yoruba)
   • Description: Two small bells attached to a metal rod.
   • How It’s Played: Struck with a stick for a bright, metallic sound.
5. Udu (Igbo)
   • Description: Clay pot-like percussion instrument.
   • How It’s Played: Hands hit the sides for a deep, resonant sound.
6. Ikoro (Igbo)
   • Description: Large wooden instrument carved from a single piece.
   • How It’s Played: Struck with a stick for deep, booming sounds.
7. Kaki (Arewa)
   • Description: Long, thin trumpet-like instrument.
   • How It’s Played: Blown like a trumpet, producing celebratory sounds.
8. Kalangu (Hausa)
   • Description: Drum made from a large gourd.
   • How It’s Played: Struck or shaken for rhythmic sounds.

Cultural Connections

Each tribe in Nigeria has unique instruments that define its music and culture, showcasing creativity and storytelling.

Lesson Presentation

Introduction

1. Begin by asking pupils if they have heard traditional music before.
2. Show pictures or videos of Nigerian instruments and explain their cultural importance.

Main Activities

1. Group Discussion: Pupils discuss and identify traditional instruments from their culture.
2. Demonstration: Pupils present their instruments and demonstrate how they are played.
3. Drawing/Description: Pupils draw or describe instruments they are familiar with.

Conclusion

1. Summarize key points about the instruments and their sounds.
2. Encourage pupils to explore their cultural heritage by learning about local music.

Evaluation Questions

1. Which Nigerian musical instrument is made from a dried gourd covered in a bead net?
   a. Talking drum
   b. Shekere
   c. Agogo
   d. Udu
   Answer: b
2. The Ekwe is a traditional instrument used by which culture?
   a. Yoruba
   b. Igbo
   c. Hausa
   d. Arewa
   Answer: b
3. What sound does the Agogo produce?
   a. Deep, booming sound
   b. Bright, metallic sound
   c. Rhythmic, resonant sound
   d. High-pitched sound
   Answer: b
4. Which instrument is shaped like an hourglass?
   a. Talking drum
   b. Agidigbo
   c. Shekere
   d. Omele
   Answer: a
5. What is the Udu shaped like?
   a. Clay pot
   b. Small bell
   c. Hand drum
   d. Trumpet
   Answer: a

Homework

1. Name a musical instrument played by the Yoruba tribe.
   Answer: Talking drum, Shekere, Agidigbo.
2. Describe how the Ikoro is played.
   Answer: It is struck with a stick or the palm of the hand.