Modern Music with Ancient Roots

Modern Music Reading

Monday, October 19th 2020

Answer these questions:

• What styles of music do you know? (classical, hip-hop, jazz, pop, rock) 

• What are some instruments you know? (guitar, flute, drum, violin, piano, saxophone)

Modern Music with Ancient Roots

Did you know that modern music comes from traditional music? Every generation

changes the music of the past. They make it their own. Reggae music began in Jamaica, but it has its roots in African music. Africans came to Jamaica and brought their music. It mixed with music from Europe. Now, reggae impacts music all over the world. Dancehall and hip-hop music came from reggae! Shaabi music is based on Egyptian folk music. It is played with the saxophone and

electronic keyboard, which are modern instruments. But it is also played with a kanun, a traditional string instrument. The instruments are different, but the musical roots are the same!

Norteño is a modern type of Mexican music with folk roots. Old Norteño music was

played with an accordion and a Mexican guitar. Then Norteño bands heard rock music. They added drums, saxophones, and electronic keyboards to their bands! Modern Norteño has a stronger beat than the traditional music. In Japan, many people listen to J-pop music. J-pop is the name for all modern

Japanese pop music. It includes many modern music types and instruments like electric guitars and keyboards. In the 1920s, when Japanese pop music began, performers used harmonicas and string instruments. The music combined Western jazz and soul with a traditional style of Japanese singing. Today every J-pop artist or band selects and combines the instruments and music rhythms they like best with their Japanese-language songs.