Music for Grade 9
1 **Musical Knowledge and Understanding**
1-1 **Key Signatures**
1-1 1 Identify and write key signatures for major and minor keys
1-1 2 Recognize the relationship between major and minor keys
1-2 **Scales**
1-2 1 Play and recognize major and minor scales
1-2 2 Understand the structure of scales and their intervals
1-3 **Intervals**
1-3 1 Identify and construct intervals up to an octave
1-3 2 Recognize the quality of intervals (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished)
1-4 **Chords**
1-4 1 Construct and identify triads in root position
1-4 2 Recognize major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads
1-5 **Rhythm**
1-5 1 Read and write rhythmic patterns including syncopation
1-5 2 Understand and apply time signatures (e g , 24, 34, 44, 68)
1-6 **Notation**
1-6 1 Read and write standard musical notation
1-6 2 Recognize and use different note values and rests
2 **Performance**
2-1 **Instrumental Performance**
2-1 1 Perform a prepared piece on an instrument
2-1 2 Demonstrate technical proficiency and musical expression
2-2 **Vocal Performance**
2-2 1 Perform a prepared song
2-2 2 Demonstrate vocal technique and musical interpretation
2-3 **Sight-Reading**
2-3 1 Sight-read a short piece on an instrument or vocally
2-3 2 Apply knowledge of notation and rhythm in sight-reading
2-4 **Improvisation**
2-4 1 Create an improvisation based on given guidelines
2-4 2 Demonstrate understanding of scales, chords, and rhythm in improvisation
3 **Listening and Appraisal**
3-1 **Listening Skills**
3-1 1 Identify and describe elements of music (e g , melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics)
3-1 2 Recognize different musical styles and genres
3-2 **Appraisal**
3-2 1 Analyze and critique a piece of music
3-2 2 Discuss the structure, form, and expressive qualities of a composition
4 **Composition**
4-1 **Composition Techniques**
4-1 1 Compose a short piece using given guidelines
4-1 2 Apply knowledge of scales, chords, and rhythm in composition
4-2 **Form and Structure**
4-2 1 Understand and apply different musical forms (e g , binary, ternary, rondo)
4-2 2 Structure a composition logically and coherently
4-3 **Harmony and Melody**
4-3 1 Create a melody and harmonize it using appropriate chords
4-3 2 Demonstrate understanding of voice leading and chord progression
5 **Historical and Cultural Context**
5-1 **Music History**
5-1 1 Identify key periods and composers in music history
5-1 2 Understand the development of musical styles over time
5-2 **Cultural Influences**
5-2 1 Recognize the influence of different cultures on music
5-2 2 Discuss how cultural factors shape musical expression
6 **Practical Skills**
6-1 **Instrument Maintenance**
6-1 1 Perform basic maintenance and tuning on an instrument
6-1 2 Understand the care and handling of musical instruments
6-2 **Repertoire Development**
6-2 1 Build and manage a repertoire of pieces for performance
6-2 2 Select pieces appropriate for skill level and musical goals
6-3 **Practice Techniques**
6-3 1 Develop effective practice routines
6-3 2 Apply strategies for improving technical and musical skills
1-4 2 Recognize Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads

1-4 2 Recognize Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Triads

Key Concepts

Triads are the basic building blocks of harmony in Western music. They consist of three notes stacked in thirds. The four main types of triads are major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Understanding these triads is crucial for chord formation and harmonic analysis.

Explanation of Triads

Triads are built by stacking thirds (either major or minor) on top of each other. The three notes in a triad are called the root, third, and fifth.

Major Triad

A major triad consists of a root, a major third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root. The interval pattern is: root (1), major third (4), perfect fifth (2).

Example: C major triad - C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth).

Minor Triad

A minor triad consists of a root, a minor third above the root, and a perfect fifth above the root. The interval pattern is: root (1), minor third (4), perfect fifth (2).

Example: A minor triad - A (root), C (minor third), E (perfect fifth).

Diminished Triad

A diminished triad consists of a root, a minor third above the root, and a diminished fifth above the root. The interval pattern is: root (1), minor third (4), diminished fifth (2).

Example: B diminished triad - B (root), D (minor third), F (diminished fifth).

Augmented Triad

An augmented triad consists of a root, a major third above the root, and an augmented fifth above the root. The interval pattern is: root (1), major third (4), augmented fifth (2).

Example: C augmented triad - C (root), E (major third), G# (augmented fifth).

Examples and Analogies

Think of triads as different types of sandwiches. A major triad is like a classic sandwich with a perfect balance of ingredients. A minor triad is like a sandwich with a slightly different flavor, but still balanced. A diminished triad is like a sandwich with a missing ingredient, making it less stable. An augmented triad is like a sandwich with an extra ingredient, giving it a unique and slightly off-balance taste.

Insight and Value

Recognizing and understanding major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads is essential for musicians. It allows for accurate chord formation, harmonic analysis, and improvisation. Mastering these triads enables musicians to navigate different musical styles and genres with ease, enhancing their overall musical proficiency.