Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Music
Curriculum Theme: Music
Previous Lesson: Rhythm Dictation and Rhythmic Patterns.
Topic: Maintenance and care of tools and pre-colonial African music.
Subject Matter: Classification of traditional musical instruments, storage of instruments, tools for making instruments, care and maintenance methods, physical features of traditional instruments, constructing simple instruments, history of African music before colonial era.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain methods of caring for and storing musical instruments.
Describe the physical features of various traditional musical instruments.
Discuss the characteristics of African music before the colonial era.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper care and maintenance of musical instruments.
Show interest in the historical context and cultural significance of pre-colonial African music.

Psychomotor Domain:

List tools used in making musical instruments.
Draw examples of traditional musical instruments.
Attempt the construction of a simple musical instrument using basic tools.

Share ideas on the cultural relevance of traditional instruments and music.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Music (Senior Secondary Education)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Music SSS 1
Adegbite, A. (2010). Basic Music Theory and Appreciation. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of traditional musical instruments (e.g., shekere, talking drum, flute)
Materials used for instrument storage (e.g., soft cloths, cases)
Basic craft tools (e.g., small saw, sandpaper, chisel, knife)
Pictures or charts illustrating various traditional instruments
Notes or handouts on the history of African music.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to preserve musical instruments, which extends their lifespan and ensures their quality. It also introduces them to the rich history and cultural significance of African music before foreign influences, connecting them to their heritage.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of different types of musical instruments and some general history of Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Maintenance and Care of Musical Instruments and Pre-colonial African Music

Classification of Traditional Musical Instruments

Traditional musical instruments are classified based on how they produce sound. The main classifications are:

Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound primarily by the vibration of the instrument itself, without the use of membranes, strings, or reeds. Examples include gongs, rattles (shekere), xylophones.
Membranophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a stretched membrane (skin). Examples include drums (talking drum, bata drum).
Chordophones: Instruments that produce sound by the vibration of stretched strings. Examples include lutes, harps, zithers.
Aerophones: Instruments that produce sound by a vibrating column of air. Examples include flutes, horns, trumpets.

Tools for Making Musical Instruments

The following are common tools used in making musical instruments:

Knives (for carving and shaping)
Chisels (for carving)
Files and sandpaper (for smoothing surfaces)
Saws (for cutting wood)
Hammers and mallets (for joining and shaping)
Drills (for making holes)
Measuring tools (rulers, calipers).

Care and Maintenance Methods for Musical Instruments

Proper care and maintenance help to preserve instruments. Some methods include:

Regular cleaning with appropriate materials (e.g., soft cloths, specialized cleaners).
Checking for damage and making minor repairs promptly.
Avoiding extreme temperatures and humidity.
Lubricating moving parts (if applicable).
Handling instruments carefully to prevent drops or impacts.

Storage of Musical Instruments

Correct storage protects instruments from damage and environmental factors. Important storage principles are:

Storing instruments in their designated cases or bags.
Keeping instruments in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight or dampness.
Using soft padding or stands to prevent pressure points or warping.
Ensuring storage areas are clean and free from pests.

Physical Features of Traditional Instruments

Traditional instruments often have unique physical features related to their materials, construction, and cultural aesthetics. These can include:

Carved designs and patterns.
Use of natural materials like wood, gourds, animal skin, metal.
Specific shapes and sizes that influence their sound.
Ornamental decorations such as beads, cowries, or feathers.

Constructing Simple Musical Instruments

Constructing simple instruments involves using readily available materials and basic tools to create functional musical devices. This activity helps in understanding the principles of sound production and instrument design.

History of African Music Before the Colonial Era

African music before the colonial era was deeply integrated into daily life and cultural practices. Its key characteristics include:

Functionality: Music served specific social functions such as rituals, ceremonies, work, storytelling, and communication.
Oral Tradition: Music was primarily passed down through generations orally, with performances and teachings.
Diversity: A vast array of musical styles, instruments, and vocal techniques existed across different ethnic groups and regions.
Communal Participation: Music often involved active participation from the community, not just performers.
Polyrhythm and Call-and-Response: Complex rhythmic patterns and interactive vocal/instrumental exchanges were common features.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some musical instruments they know. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Maintenance and Care of Musical Instruments and Pre-colonial African Music,” explaining its relevance to preserving cultural heritage and musical tools.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming various instruments. They listen attentively to the teacher’s introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and its importance.

Step 2: Classification and Features of Traditional Instruments

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the classification of traditional musical instruments (idiophones, membranophones, chordophones, aerophones) using samples or pictures. The teacher also highlights the physical features of these instruments.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the instruments, ask questions, and take notes. They describe the physical features of instruments shown.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how traditional instruments are classified and identify their physical characteristics.

Step 3: Tools for Making Musical Instruments

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly describes the basic craft tools used in making musical instruments, possibly showing pictures or actual tools if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and list the tools mentioned by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils identify various tools used in instrument construction.

Step 4: Care and Maintenance Methods

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different methods of caring for musical instruments, emphasizing the reasons behind each method (e.g., cleaning, avoiding extreme conditions).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by suggesting ways they care for their belongings and relate it to instruments. They list care methods.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and list effective methods for maintaining musical instruments.

Step 5: Storage of Instruments

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates or explains proper ways to store different types of instruments, using storage materials like cases or soft cloths.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and discuss appropriate storage practices. They take notes on storage principles.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the importance and methods of proper instrument storage.

Step 6: History of African Music Before the Colonial Era

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher delivers a brief lecture on the history of African music before the colonial era, focusing on its functional roles, oral tradition, and diversity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask clarifying questions, and take notes on the key aspects of pre-colonial African music.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge about the characteristics and significance of African music before colonial influence.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define idiophones and give two examples.
Mention three tools used in making traditional musical instruments.
List three methods of caring for musical instruments.
State two characteristics of African music before the colonial era.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of instrument care and the rich heritage of pre-colonial African music. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to draw two traditional Nigerian musical instruments and label their physical features.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and receive homework.

Lesson Keywords

Idiophones – Musical instruments that produce sound by the vibration of their own solid material.
Membranophones – Musical instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a stretched membrane (skin).
Chordophones – Musical instruments that produce sound by the vibration of stretched strings.
Aerophones – Musical instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a column of air.
Maintenance – The process of preserving an instrument’s condition and functionality.
Pre-colonial – Referring to the period before the establishment of colonial rule.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to research specific traditional instruments and their cultural uses. For those who require more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes and visual aids, and pair them with more capable peers for group activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should encourage active pupil participation and hands-on activities where possible, such as demonstrating simple cleaning techniques or showing how basic tools are used. Emphasize the cultural significance of traditional instruments and music to foster appreciation.