A Compilation, Analysis, and Adaptation of Selected Ghanaian Folktale Songs for Use in the Elementary General Music Class.

Abstract

In the framework of the "Compilation, Analysis, and Adaptation of Selected Ghanaian Folktale Songs for use in the Elementary General Music Class," the author attempts to discuss the importance of the use of mmoguo (folktale songs) as a major component in the training of children. In the upbringing of the African child for instance, the use of mmoguo implicitly indicates to the child what is expected of him by the society, and /or why certain social events keeps occurring now and again. The use of mmoguo therefore not only serves to set the stage for the child's formal education, but also serves as a form of basic education prior to his formal schooling age. The nature and value of mmoguo also helps the child to become aware of the cultural values of the society in which he lives. Mmoguo teaches him, for instance, why the sky is far above our heads, why children should obey their elders and parents, and how men came to desire women. The discussion of this topic attempts therefore to point out the values inherent in mmoguo, through a comprehensive examination and discussion of same. A brief introduction discusses the importance of mmoguo as an aspect of multicultural education and its potential to serve as authentic source material in this area of music education. Mmoguo comes under the category of folksongs. In this study, they are defined in terms of their relationship to storytelling in African cultures. They are folksongs used in storytelling. Mmoguo and stories are woven together to form a single act of creative art in the storytelling event. The first chapter discusses the purpose of this study, need for it and its scope. It also includes sections devoted to the influence of African music on the music of the United States, misconceptions about African music, and today's growing awareness and interest in the study of African music. The second chapter deals with the people of Ghana, whose music is the subject of this study. A discussion of aspects of Ghanaian culture is provided, with an emphasis on the system of music education in that country. The third chapter describes the materials provided in the study. These consist of selected mmoguo (folktale songs), accompanying rhythmic patterns, and sample stories with which mmoguo are generally associated. The fourth chapter consists of an analysis of the song material. The analysis is primarily concerned with the musical elements of mmoguo--scale, melody, harmony, form, tempo, and rhythm. This chapter also presents a lengthy discussion of the value and meaning of text in African music. Finally, several pages are devoted exclusively to a discussion of the organization of African rhythmic patterns and information on the nature of these rhythmic patterns, especially as seen in mmoguo. The fifth chapter consists of teaching strategies useful in transmitting mmoguo both in the classroom and in less formal settings. Other materials provided are: (1) background information on each song, (2) transcriptions of collected melodies, and (3) a pronunciation guide on the Ghanaian (Akan language) text using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The sixth chapter summarizes and concludes the discussion of the study. It also discusses the importance of music in African culture and the African view of music as a referential art rather than a formalistic one. This chapter also discusses Black Americans' awareness of the value of studying African music and culture.