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:
- Identify and name traditional musical instruments from their culture or tribe.
- Demonstrate how these instruments are played and the sounds they produce.
- 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
- 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.
- Shekere (Yoruba)
- Description: Gourd covered with a bead net.
- How It’s Played: Shaken to produce a rattling sound.
- Omele (Yoruba)
- Description: Pair of small, handheld drums.
- How It’s Played: Played with hands to create rhythmic sounds.
- Agogo (Yoruba)
- Description: Two small bells attached to a metal rod.
- How It’s Played: Struck with a stick for a bright, metallic sound.
- Udu (Igbo)
- Description: Clay pot-like percussion instrument.
- How It’s Played: Hands hit the sides for a deep, resonant sound.
- Ikoro (Igbo)
- Description: Large wooden instrument carved from a single piece.
- How It’s Played: Struck with a stick for deep, booming sounds.
- Kaki (Arewa)
- Description: Long, thin trumpet-like instrument.
- How It’s Played: Blown like a trumpet, producing celebratory sounds.
- 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
- Begin by asking pupils if they have heard traditional music before.
- Show pictures or videos of Nigerian instruments and explain their cultural importance.
Main Activities
- Group Discussion: Pupils discuss and identify traditional instruments from their culture.
- Demonstration: Pupils present their instruments and demonstrate how they are played.
- Drawing/Description: Pupils draw or describe instruments they are familiar with.
Conclusion
- Summarize key points about the instruments and their sounds.
- Encourage pupils to explore their cultural heritage by learning about local music.
Evaluation Questions
- 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 - The Ekwe is a traditional instrument used by which culture?
a. Yoruba
b. Igbo
c. Hausa
d. Arewa
Answer: b - What sound does the Agogo produce?
a. Deep, booming sound
b. Bright, metallic sound
c. Rhythmic, resonant sound
d. High-pitched sound
Answer: b - Which instrument is shaped like an hourglass?
a. Talking drum
b. Agidigbo
c. Shekere
d. Omele
Answer: a - What is the Udu shaped like?
a. Clay pot
b. Small bell
c. Hand drum
d. Trumpet
Answer: a
Homework
- Name a musical instrument played by the Yoruba tribe.
Answer: Talking drum, Shekere, Agidigbo. - Describe how the Ikoro is played.
Answer: It is struck with a stick or the palm of the hand.
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