Piano Studio of Martha K. Smith
2012
A diaspora is a scattering of people from their home country to a wider world. People from Africa began coming to America almost 400 years ago, bringing their music with them. We will trace the strong impact of that music from its African roots to work songs, spirituals, boogie, blues, rags, jazz and pop. There is great music for students at all levels and much to learn about such composition techniques as call and response and 12-Bar Blues.
I have chosen the flag of Ghana, on the left, to represent the many different countries of West Africa. It uses Pan-African colors, with a black star for being the first independent African nation of the 20th century.
Visit the National Museum of African Art on the Mall. Radio Africa on their website lets you listen to tracks from the Smithsonian Sound Collection. Even better, attend one of the live performances they host by instrumental and dance ensembles--a good introduction to African music. Also check out the website of the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco and www.pbs.org/jazz/kids/ to learn more about African-American music.