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 Chords - Grade 9 Music

1-4 Chords

Key Concepts

Explanation of 1-4 Chords

In music, the 1-4 chords are fundamental to creating harmonic progressions. The tonic chord (1) is built on the first note of the scale and serves as the home base of the key. The subdominant chord (4) is built on the fourth note of the scale and provides a contrasting yet stable harmonic environment.

Tonic Chord (1)

The tonic chord is the most stable and provides a sense of resolution. In a major key, the tonic chord is a major triad (three notes: root, third, and fifth). In a minor key, the tonic chord is a minor triad.

Example in C major: The tonic chord is C major (C-E-G).

Subdominant Chord (4)

The subdominant chord creates a sense of tension and prepares for the return to the tonic. In a major key, the subdominant chord is also a major triad. In a minor key, it is a minor triad.

Example in C major: The subdominant chord is F major (F-A-C).

Examples and Analogies

Think of the 1-4 chords as a journey: the tonic chord is the starting point and the subdominant chord is a resting place before returning home. This progression creates a sense of movement and resolution.

Example in C major:

In a song, this progression might sound like a verse that starts and ends on the tonic chord, with a brief stop at the subdominant chord in the middle.

Practical Application

Understanding and using 1-4 chords is essential for creating harmonic progressions in music. By mastering these chords, you can build simple yet effective melodies and harmonies. Practice playing these chords on your instrument and experiment with different keys to deepen your understanding.