WAEC Music Syllabus
Every section, topic and candidate objective in the official WAEC Music outline — 2 sections, 3 topics and 3 objectives.
- Sections
- 2sections
- Topics
- 3topics
- Objectives
- 3objectives
- Category
- Arts & Humanitiescategory
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Syllabus sections
2 sectionsTap a section to open it, then tap a topic to see its content and objectives.
1Paper 1 & Paper 2: Theory and Composition & History/Literature
2 topics · 2 objectives
1Rudiments, Elementary Harmony, Composition, and Form/Analysis
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
Notation, Western scales, African modes, keys, time signatures, intervals, transcription, transposition, musical terms/signs/ornaments, primary/secondary triads, cadences, non-harmonic tones, modulations, SATB harmony, two-part counterpoint, melodic continuation, text setting, simple/extended/African forms, and analysis of prescribed set-works
Objective
Master staff/clef notation, Western diatonic/chromatic scales, African 5/6/7-tone modes, key signatures, intervals, transcription, and transposition; harmonize melodies using primary/secondary triads, inversions, cadences, non-harmonic tones, modulations, and 4-part SATB / 2-part counterpoint; compose 12-16 bar melodies and set English text to music; analyze musical forms (binary, ternary, rondo, sonata, call and response) and set-works by Haydn, Pappoe-Thompson, Dvorak, Akin Euba, J.S. Bach, Laz Ekwueme, Verdi, Mereku, Schubert, and Ayo Bankole.
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2History and Literature of Music (Western, African, Popular, and Black Diaspora)
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
Biographies and achievements of Traditional African musicians, Popular African musicians (Highlife, Afrobeat, Juju, Fuji, Waka, Afro-Pop, Afro-Reggae, Hip-Hop), Contemporary African Art musicians, Western music historical periods (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century), Black Music in the Diaspora (Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Calypso), and traditional African music roles/instruments/dances
Objective
Examine contributions of traditional African musicians (Dan Maraya, Hubert Ogunde, Mamman Shata, Kakraba Lobi); evaluate popular African genres and artists (Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, E.T. Mensah, Tuface Idibia); trace African art music pioneers (Fela Sowande, Ephraim Amu, J.H.K. Nketia); survey Western eras and major composers (Palestrina, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Stravinsky); study Black Diaspora genres (Spirituals, Jazz, Blues, Reggae); analyze traditional African instruments, structural characteristics, song categories, and traditional dances (Adowa, Fontomfrom, Bata, Atilogwu).
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2Paper 3: Aural and Performance Tests
1 topic · 1 objective
1Aural Recognition and Practical Performance
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
Rhythmic dictation, melody writing, two-part ear training, chord identification, cadence recognition, key modulation identification, theme description, sight-reading, technical exercises, scales/arpeggios, and solo performance on voice or chosen instrument (Pianoforte, Violin, Wind instruments)
Objective
Transcribe rhythms, melodies, and two-part phrases from sound dictation; identify chords, cadences, modulations, and musical themes aurally; perform technical exercises, scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, and prescribed solo works on voice, keyboard, violin, or wind instruments (recorder, atenteben, flute, trumpet, alto-saxophone).
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