MYP2_Unit1_1

Unit 1: Mediterranean folk music

start

01

Global Context

MYP Context

Identities and relationships

02

In each unit, we'll start with a small introduction to the MYP context to help us understand the broader connections between our subject matter and real-world concepts.

Key concept

Identity

03

IB learning profiles

Inquiries

Questions

What are the defining characteristics of Mediterranean folk music?

How does folk music preserve and pass on cultural traditions?

Can the meaning of traditional folk music be lost when performed by modern artists?

Folk music

Folk music is traditional music that comes from a community or culture. It's passed down through generations and often tells stories about people's lives, beliefs and history. Each region has its own folk music, using local instruments and songs for celebrations and important events.

Mediterranean

Great presentation

Clarity

Engagement

Practice

A great presentation is clear and structured

Formative 1

This is a formative activity where you'll work in groups to research and present on Spanish folk music. Your presentation should cover topics such as:

3. Regional Variations

4.Folk musicians or groups

1. History

2. Instruments

Bibliography

• Citing your sources shows that you have done your research
• At the end of your presentation, include a "References" slide that lists all your sources.
• In this first unit, Harvard citation style is not mandatory.

- Harvard citation style

https://www.mybib.com

Folk music in Spain

One of the most influential folk music traditions in the world

• Moorish influence (8th century)
• Global spread through empire
• Mix of Spanish, African & Indigenous styles
• Regional diversity beyond flamenco

Instruments

Castañuelas

Cajón

Gaita

• Percussion idiophones struck together
• Played in pairs: high (right) and low (left)
• Require good grip and practice

• Origin: 17th-century Peru, by African slaves
• Brought to flamenco by Paco de Lucía (1977)
• Flamenco version adds metal strings for brighter sound

• Wind instrument with a double reed, similar to the oboe.
• Varies by region: shape, sound, and pitch differ (e.g. Galician vs Scottish bagpipes).
• Symbol of tradition in Europe, especially in Celtic regions.

Regional variations

Andalusia

Catalonia

Basque

• Sardana
• Gypsy > Catalan Rumba
• Cobla

• Trikitixa (Accordion, tamborine)
• Dances

• Flamenco (9th century)
• Gypsys from India
• mid- 18th

Folk musicians

Hip-hop,pop, techno music + Folk

Rosalia

Folk-pop Catalan

Els amics de les arts

Bibliography

• admin. “Origen Y Evolución de Las Castañuelas - Málaga Musical - Instrumentos Musicales.” Málaga Musical - Instrumentos Musicales, 24 July 2021, malagamusical.com/origen-y-evolucion-de-las-castanuelas/?v=12470fe406d4. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
• Inma. “El Amics de Les Arts - PRO21 Cultural.” PRO21 Cultural, 2 Feb. 2024, www.pro21cultural.com/project/el-amics-de-les-arts/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
• Nast, Condé. “Rosalía: La Española Que Conquistó al Mundo Con Su Música.” Vogue, 25 July 2020, www.vogue.mx/estilo-de-vida/articulo/rosalia-cantante-biografia.Parra, Vilmer. “¿Qué Es La Gaita?” Instrumentos de Viento, 17 Nov. 2024, instrumentosviento.com/la-gaita/. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

• Parra, Vilmer. “¿Qué Es La Gaita?” Instrumentos de Viento, 17 Nov. 2024, instrumentosviento.com/la-gaita/. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025
• “Traditional / Folk Music of Spain - Information and Songs.” Folkcloud.com, 2019, folkcloud.com/folk-music-by-country/spain. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
• “Un Poco de Historia Del Cajón Flamenco.” Malaga8.com, Malaga8, 5 Apr. 2021, www.malaga8.com/blog/189_un-poco-de-historia-del-cajon-flamenco.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqcNhnjKotaGkfx0lbRNPt8hv4nY--qmSpli7QTdOlaPPsqHdk1. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.