Abstract:
The study adopted a mode of creativity/dynamic approach through the synthesis of
Dagaaba gyil genre and Western compositional techniques and approaches. To
ground the study in the rich cultural traditions of the Dagaaba people of Winneba and
Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana an anthropological documentation formed an
important part of the study. The study adopted Nketia‟s syncretic approach theory
(1982), the bi-musicality, African Pianism theories of Euba (1992) and Webster‟s
model of creative thinking in music. In addition to Akuno‟s (1997) theory on social
functions in which; the contextual meaning of the composition was based. Thirty-nine
Dagaaba gyil folk songs were collected from traditional performers, through
purposeful and snowball sampling techniques. Songs were recorded, transcribed and
analysed for dominant traditional musical features. The result was a compositional
inspiration on which the Xylafrique was based. Rhythmic and melodic accuracy of the
transcribed songs were ascertained by play backs using FINALE notation software.
The report contains a discussion on the unique elements of Dagaaba gyil music, the
full musical score of the innovations, and the analysis of the score and finally the
perspectives highlighted all the social, moral and educational relevance of the work.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC EDUCATION, SCHOOL OF
CREATIVE ARTS, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE
STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD OF THE
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (MUSIC COMPOSITION) DEGREE
JUNE, 2012