Chinese music has a history dating back over 5,000 years to the 3rd millennium BC. It incorporates a variety of styles including orchestral, operatic, hymns, folk, and pop music, played on traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu fiddle. The erhu dates back 100 years and is used in both classical and modern genres like jazz, rock, and pop. Students are assigned to compose a short Chinese song using only the five notes of the pentatonic scale and the provided rhythmic notation, and to add their own lyrics.

1. Where in the world?

2. China!
Music Passport

3. Music History Facts
• Chinese Music can
be traced as far
back as the 3rd
millenium B.C.!
• They have their
own style for
operas, orchestras,
hymns, pop music
and folk music.
• They have a rich
heritage of music
but are have a
contemporary
presence.

4. Chinese Instruments
Every culture creates their own sound that appeals to them. Some music
might feature sitar, guitar or banjo. In China, you’d hear an ERHU!

5. Erhu – Chinese strings
• Dates back 100
years in Chinese
classical & folk
music
• Today it’s used in
modern jazz, rock
& pop music.

6. Pentatonic Scale
Erhu in an Orchestra
• https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=Fj13KU3SAvE
Notes used:

7. Learn a Chinese Song!

8. Compose a Chinese Song
Group Composition Assignment:
1. 4 measures long
2. Only use the notes in a pentatonic
scale
3. Use the notes & rest below
4. 4 beats a measure
5. Add lyrics