--- title: "WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028" url: https://examloaded.com/waec-music-areas-of-concentration/ date: 2026-10-13 modified: 2026-10-16 lang: en author: "Rabiu Francis" description: "See the WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including theory, harmony, composition, aural tests, performance, African music, music history and practical topics. The WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 will..." categories: - "2027 Official WAEC Exam Insights: Practice Questions, and Syllabus" - "WAEC Areas of concentration 2027" image: https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WAEC-Music-Areas-of-Concentration-2027-2028.webp word_count: 3600 --- # WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 See the WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including theory, harmony, composition, aural tests, performance, African music, music history and practical topics. The **WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028** will help you organise your revision around the major topics contained in the Music syllabus. [![WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028](https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WAEC-Music-Areas-of-Concentration-2027-2028-300x163.webp)](https://examloaded.com/waec-music-areas-of-concentration/waec-music-areas-of-concentration-2027-2028/)WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 Music is divided into three broad areas: - Theory of Music and Composition - Practical Music - History and Literature of Music The practical section includes both **Aural Tests and Performance Tests**, while the History and Literature section covers Western music, African music, popular music and Black Music in the Diaspora. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Livestock Farming Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download](/waec-livestock-farming-syllabus-questions/) ## WAEC Music Areas of Concentration at a Glance The major areas you should study are: - Rudiments of Music - Staff - Clefs - Major Scales - Minor Scales - Chromatic Scales - Pentatonic Mode - Hexatonic Mode - Heptatonic Mode - Keys - Key Signatures - Simple Time - Compound Time - Intervals - Staff Notation - Tonic Solfa - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms - Musical Signs - Ornaments - Abbreviations - Primary Triads - Secondary Triads - Chord Inversions - Dominant Seventh Chord - Chord Progressions - Perfect Cadence - Plagal Cadence - Interrupted Cadence - Imperfect Cadence - Harmonisation - Six-four Chords - Non-harmonic Tones - Passing Tones - Auxiliary or Neighbouring Tones - Anticipation - Modulation - Four-part Harmony - SATB Writing - Two-part Counterpoint - Melody Writing - Text Setting - Composition - Binary Form - Ternary Form - Rondo Form - Overture - Oratorio - Opera - Cantata - Suite - Sonata - Symphony - Concerto - African Musical Forms - Call and Response - Cantor and Chorus - Call and Refrain - Cyclic Form - Form in Contemporary African Art Music - Prescribed Set-work Analysis - Rhythmic Dictation - Melodic Dictation - Two-part Phrase - Chord Recognition - Cadence Recognition - Modulation Recognition - Identification of Themes - Description of Musical Excerpts - Performance - Sight-reading - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Voice - Piano or Electronic Keyboard - Violin - Guitar - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone - Trumpet - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba - Traditional Musicians - Popular African Musicians - Contemporary African Art Musicians - Medieval Music - Renaissance Music - Baroque Music - Classical Music - Romantic Music - Twentieth-century Music - Black Music in the Diaspora - Spiritual - Jazz - Blues - Rock - Gospel - Soul - Calypso - Reggae - Afrobeat - Traditional African Music - African Musical Instruments - African Rhythm - Cross-rhythm - Hemiola - Syncopation - Polyrhythm - Polyphony - African Vocal Styles - Musical Texture - Monophonic Texture - Homophonic Texture - Polyphonic Texture - Instrumentation - Dirges - Lullabies - Ritual Songs - Folk Songs - Satirical Songs - Music and Dance - Music and Drama - Music and Festivals - Nigerian Traditional Dances - Ghanaian Traditional Dances **READ:** [Access 2027 WAEC Questions and Answers in all Subjects – Free Study Guide](/waec-questions-and-answers/) **ALSO READ:** [WAEC Specimens 2027](/waec-specimens-practicals/) These areas are drawn from the Theory, Practical, History and African Music sections of the syllabus. ## Theory of Music and Composition Theory and Composition is one of the largest parts of the syllabus. It covers: - Rudiments of Music - Harmony - Counterpoint - Composition - Form and Analysis ## Rudiments of Music Your preparation should begin with the basic elements used in reading and writing music. The syllabus includes: - Notation - Scales - Modes - Keys and Key Signatures - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms - Musical Signs - Ornaments - Abbreviations ## Staff and Notation Understand how musical notes are written on the staff. You should be comfortable reading and writing notation because this knowledge is needed in Harmony, Composition, Counterpoint and Aural work. ## Clefs The syllabus includes: - C Clef - G Clef - F Clef You should be able to recognise and use the clefs within the level required by the syllabus. ## Western Scales The Western scales listed are: ### Diatonic Scales - Major - Natural Minor - Harmonic Minor - Melodic Minor ### Chromatic Scale - Melodic Chromatic Scale ## African Modes The African modes listed are: - Pentatonic — 5 tones - Hexatonic — 6 tones - Heptatonic — 7 tones Know the number of tones in each mode and how to recognise them. ## Keys and Key Signatures Study: - Major Keys - Minor Keys - Key Signatures This area connects directly with: - Harmony - Modulation - Composition - Transposition ## Time Signatures Prepare: - Simple Time - Compound Time You should be able to recognise the metre and write rhythms correctly. ## Intervals Study musical intervals carefully. You should be able to: - Identify Intervals - Construct Intervals - Recognise Their Relationship to Melody and Harmony ## Transcription The syllabus requires you to convert: - Staff Notation to Solfa - Solfa to Staff Notation Practise both regularly. ## Transposition The syllabus also includes transposition, including **writing for transposing instruments**. You therefore need a good understanding of: - Intervals - Keys - Key Signatures - Accidentals ## Musical Terms, Signs, Ornaments and Abbreviations Prepare the common musical directions and symbols used in written scores. You should know what they mean and how they affect musical performance. ## Elementary Harmony Harmony covers: - Chords - Triads - Chord Inversions - Chord Progressions - Cadences - Harmonisation - Non-harmonic Tones - Modulation - Four-part Harmony ## Primary Triads The primary triads are: - I or i - IV or iv - V and their inversions. ## Secondary Triads Study: - ii - iii - vi and their inversions. ## Diminished Chord VII The syllabus also includes: - vii° - Its Inversions ## Dominant Seventh Chord Prepare the: - Dominant Seventh Chord - Inversions of the Dominant Seventh ## Chord Progressions Study how chords are arranged to create musical movement. This leads directly to cadences. ## Perfect Cadence The syllabus gives: **V – I** ## Plagal Cadence The progression is: **IV – I** ## Interrupted Cadence The syllabus gives: **V – vi** ## Imperfect Cadence Examples listed are: - I – V - ii – V - iii – V - IV – V Know how to identify these cadences in written and aural questions. ## Harmonising a Given Melody The syllabus requires the use of: - Primary Triads - Secondary Triads when harmonising a melody. Also prepare: - Cadential Six-four Chords - Passing Six-four Chords ## Non-harmonic Tones The syllabus lists: - Passing Tones - Accented Passing Tones - Unaccented Passing Tones - Auxiliary or Neighbouring Tones - Anticipation ## Modulation Modulations are limited to closely related keys. Prepare modulation to: - Dominant - Subdominant - Relative Major - Relative Minor ## Four-part Harmony The syllabus includes four-part harmony written for: **SATB** That is: - Soprano - Alto - Tenor - Bass ## Counterpoint Prepare **two-part free counterpoint**. You may be required to add another part: - Above a Given Melody - Below a Given Melody ## Composition Composition covers two main areas: - Continuing a Given Melodic Phrase - Setting English Text to Music ## Melody Writing A given phrase may need to be continued to form a melody of: - At Least 12 Bars - Not More Than 16 Bars The melody may be in a: - Major Key - Minor Key You may also be required to modulate to a specified related key. ## Setting Text to Music You should be able to set a given **English text to music**. Pay attention to the relationship between: - Words - Syllables - Rhythm - Melody - Musical Phrasing ## Form and Analysis The syllabus includes: - Simple Forms - Extended Forms - Traditional African Forms - Contemporary African Art Music Forms ## Simple Musical Forms Study: - Binary - Ternary - Rondo ## Extended Musical Forms Prepare: - Overture - Oratorio - Opera - Cantata - Suite - Sonata - Symphony - Concerto ## Traditional African Musical Forms The syllabus gives examples such as: - Call and Response - Cantor and Chorus - Call and Refrain - Repetitive or Cyclic Forms ## Contemporary African Art Music Give attention to compositional techniques involving: - Melody - Rhythm - Harmony - Instrumentation - Through-composed Pieces ## Prescribed Set-work Analysis The syllabus includes analysis of prescribed set-works as a compulsory Paper 2 area. The exact prescribed work can change with the examination period, so prepare the **current WAEC-approved set-work for your examination year** rather than relying on an older annual list. ## WAEC Music Aural Areas of Concentration Paper 3A is the Aural Test. It contains seven tests: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Writing - Upper or Lower Part of a Two-part Phrase - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Identification or Description of Themes ## Rhythmic Dictation A passage of not more than **four bars** is played. The syllabus states that you will be required to write the rhythm on a monotone. The passage can be in: - Simple Time - Compound Time This part carries **8 marks**. ## Melody Writing from Dictation You may hear a short melody not exceeding four bars. It may contain elements of African music and can be: - Modal - Major - Minor This section carries **8 marks**. ## Two-part Phrase A two-part phrase in a major or minor key may be played. You may be required to write: - The Upper Part - The Lower Part This section carries **8 marks**. ## Chord Recognition A passage containing up to eight chords may be played. You should be able to identify the chords using: - Roman Numerals - Technical Descriptions Examples in the syllabus include: - Ic - V - vib - Dominant - First Inversion - Subdominant - Root Position ## Cadence Recognition You should recognise: - Perfect - Imperfect - Interrupted - Plagal This section carries **6 marks**. ## Modulation Recognition Prepare to identify changes from the tonic to: - Dominant - Subdominant - Relative Major - Relative Minor ## Identification or Description of Themes Three themes or excerpts may be played, and at least one will be African. The questions can cover: - Form - Style - Genre - Principal Instruments - Scale - Mode - Metre ## How to Prepare for the Aural Test Aural preparation requires regular listening practice. Practise recognising: - Rhythm - Melody - Chords - Cadences - Modulation - Scales - Modes - Instruments - Musical Style Do not wait until the examination is close before starting aural practice. ## WAEC Music Performance Areas of Concentration Every candidate offers **voice or an instrument** for the Performance Test. The syllabus includes performance options such as: - Voice - Pianoforte or Electronic Keyboard - Violin - Guitar - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone - Trumpet - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba ## Important Performance Skills Prepare: - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Tone Production - Rhythm - Intonation - Expression ## Voice Performance Voice categories include: - Soprano - Alto - Tenor - Baritone/Bass ## Voice Areas of Concentration The syllabus specifically mentions: - Purity of Vowels - Tone Production - Breath Control - Flexibility - Intonation - Articulation - Diction ## Voice Marking The syllabus gives: - Technical Exercises — 10 marks - One Piece from List A — 15 marks - One Piece from List B — 15 marks - Singing at Sight — 10 marks Total: **50 marks**. ## Singing at Sight Prepare sight-singing in: - Major - Minor - Modal Keys The syllabus states that one test may contain an **African rhythm**. ## Violin Prepare: - Scales - Arpeggios - Technical Exercises - Prepared Pieces - Sight-reading Areas considered in performance include: - Intonation - Tone Quality - Bowing - Finger Action - Instrument Position ## Piano and Electronic Keyboard Prepare: - Major Scales - Minor Scales - Chromatic Scales - Broken Chords - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Prepared Performance Pieces ## Piano Scales The syllabus includes major and minor scales in all keys and specific similar-motion and contrary-motion requirements. ## Chromatic Scales Practise chromatic scales beginning on different notes. ## Piano Arpeggios The syllabus includes major and minor common-chord arpeggios. ## Wind Instruments Performance may also be offered on approved wind instruments. The syllabus lists instruments including: - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone - Trumpet - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba ## Wind Instrument Technical Exercises Prepare: - C Major - G Major - D Major - F Major - B-flat Major - E Minor - A Minor - D Minor - Arpeggios Technical exercises may be played: - Legato - Staccato ## Performance Test Rules The syllabus states that: - Performing from memory is optional except where otherwise required. - Candidates should use approved pieces. - A candidate may provide an accompanist where needed. - A soundtrack accompaniment may be permitted. - Candidates should provide their own music stand if required. - Two sight-reading tests may be given. ## History and Literature of Music This section requires general knowledge of: - Musicians - Composers - Historical Periods - Important Works - Contributions - Musical Forms The major areas are: - Traditional Musicians and Composers - Popular Musicians - Contemporary Art Musicians - Western Composers - Black Music in the Diaspora ## Traditional Nigerian Musicians Examples listed in the syllabus include: - Ezigbo Obiligbo - Dan Maraya - Haruna Ishola - Ayinla Omowura - Dauda Epoakara - Odolaye Aremu - Ogundare Foyanmu - Hubert Ogunde - Israel Nwoba - Mamman Shata ## Traditional Ghanaian Musicians The syllabus also lists: - Vinoko Akpalu - Yaa Adusa - Afua Abasa - Kakraba Lobi - Gilbert Berese - Kodjo Nuatro - Kwamina Pra ## Popular Nigerian Music The genres specifically covered include: - Highlife - Afrobeat - Juju - Fuji - Waka - Afro-Pop - Afro-Reggae - Hip-Hop ## Highlife Musicians Examples include: - Victor Olaiya - Celestine Ukwu - Victor Uwaifo - Nico Mbarga - Rex Jim Lawson - Bobby Benson - Stephen Osita Osadebe ## Afrobeat Musicians Examples include: - Fela Anikulapo Kuti - Femi Kuti - Orlando Julius Ekemode ## Juju Musicians Examples include: - I. K. Dairo - Fatai Rolling Dollar - Ebenezer Obey - Sunny Ade - Prince Adekunle - Segun Adewale - Dele Abiodun - Shina Peters ## Fuji Musicians Examples include: - Sikiru Ayinde Barrister - Ayinla Kollington - Wasiu Ayinde Marshall - Abass Obesere - Wasiu Alabi Pasuma - Saheed Osupa ## Waka Musicians Examples include: - Batile Alake - Kuburatu Alaragbo - Salawatu Abeni ## Afro-Pop Musicians Examples listed include: - Onyeka Onwenu - Christy Essien-Igbokwe - Sonny Okosuns - Mike Okri - Lagbaja ## Afro-Reggae Musicians Examples include: - Majek Fashek - Ras Kimono - Victor Essiet - Evi Edna-Ogholi ## Hip-Hop Musicians The syllabus gives examples such as: - Tuface Idibia - D’banj - P-Square - 9ice - Wande Coal - Davido The syllabus also states that questions may be asked on **current and very widely known musicians of African origin**. ## Contemporary Nigerian Art Musicians Examples include: - T. K. E. Phillips - Fela Sowande - Ayo Bankole - W. W. C. Echezona - Adam Fiberesima - Dayo Dedeke - Akin Euba - Sam Akpabot - Laz Ekwueme - Okechukwu Ndubuisi - Bode Omojola - Christian Onyeji ## Western Music Periods The syllabus groups Western composers into major historical periods. ## Medieval Period Approximately: **450–1400** Examples include: - Guillaume de Machaut - Johannes Ockeghem - Jacob Obrecht ## Renaissance Period Approximately: **1400–1600** Examples include: - Guillaume Dufay - Thomas Tallis - Josquin des Prez - Orlando di Lasso - John Dowland - Orlando Gibbons - William Byrd - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina ## Baroque Period Approximately: **1600–1750** Examples include: - Claudio Monteverdi - Antonio Vivaldi - Arcangelo Corelli - Henry Purcell - Johann Sebastian Bach - George Frideric Handel - Domenico Scarlatti ## Classical Period Approximately: **1750–1820** Examples include: - Christoph Willibald Gluck - Joseph Haydn - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Muzio Clementi - Ludwig van Beethoven ## Romantic Period Approximately: **1820–1900** Examples include: - Franz Schubert - Robert Schumann - Clara Schumann - Felix Mendelssohn - Frédéric Chopin - Franz Liszt - Johannes Brahms - Hector Berlioz - Richard Wagner - Antonín Dvořák - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky ## The Russian Five The syllabus includes: - Modest Mussorgsky - Mily Balakirev - César Cui - Alexander Borodin - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov ## Twentieth-century Music Examples include: - Béla Bartók - Igor Stravinsky - Arnold Schoenberg - Paul Hindemith - Aaron Copland - Heitor Villa-Lobos ## Black Music in the Diaspora Important names listed include: - Scott Joplin - Ma Rainey - Bessie Smith - Louis Armstrong - Duke Ellington - Charlie Parker - Dizzy Gillespie - Aretha Franklin - Miles Davis - James Brown - Bob Marley - Michael Jackson - Hugh Masekela - Miriam Makeba ## Forms of Black Music in the Diaspora Study: - Spiritual - Jazz - Blues - Rock - Gospel - Soul - Calypso - Reggae - Afrobeat ## Traditional and Contemporary African Music This section covers: - Role of Music in African Society - African Musical Instruments - Characteristics of African Music - Traditional Vocal Genres - Music and Other Arts - Traditional Dances ## Role of Music in Traditional African Society Understand the functions of music in: - Social Life - Ceremonies - Festivals - Entertainment - Religious Activities - Dance - Drama ## African Musical Instruments Study: - Names - Description - Classification - Musical Functions - Non-musical Functions ## African Rhythm Important rhythmic concepts include: - Metrical Rhythm - Non-metrical Rhythm - Cross-rhythm - Hemiola - Syncopation - Polyrhythm ## Polyphony Understand the use of multiple musical parts in African music. ## African Musical Form Prepare: - Antiphony - Strophic Form - Through-composed Form ## African Vocal Styles The syllabus lists: - Recitative - Yodelling - Ululation - Holler - Nasalization ## Musical Texture Study: - Monophonic - Homophonic - Polyphonic ## Instrumentation Understand the use and combination of instruments in African music. ## Traditional Vocal Genres The syllabus lists: - Dirges - Cradle Songs - Lullabies - Ritual Songs - Folk Songs - Satirical Songs - Other Traditional Vocal Genres ## Music and Other Arts Study the relationship between music and: - Dance - Drama - Festivals ## Nigerian Traditional Dances Examples listed are: - Bata - Egwu Amala - Atilogwu - Swange - Apiiri For each, prepare general knowledge of: - Ethnic Group - Occasion - Musical Context ## Ghanaian Traditional Dances The syllabus also includes Ghanaian dances such as: - Adowa - Kundum - Kete - Akom - Fontomfrom - Agbadza - Atsigbekor - Kpanlogo - Apatampa - Bamaya and others. These form part of the wider West African coverage of the syllabus. ## WAEC Music Paper 1 Areas of Concentration Paper 1 contains **40 objective questions drawn from the entire syllabus**. For Paper 1, prepare: - Musical Theory - Harmony - Composition Principles - Forms - Music History - African Music - Popular Music - Instruments - Black Music in the Diaspora Because the entire syllabus can be tested, do not ignore the History or African Music sections. ## WAEC Music Paper 2 Areas of Concentration Paper 2 contains five questions, and you answer three. The syllabus states that: - Question 1 on Theory/Composition is compulsory. - Question 2 on prescribed set-work analysis is compulsory. The remaining areas include: - Composition - Harmony - Counterpoint - Form and Analysis - Western Music History - African Music History - Black Music in the Diaspora ## WAEC Music Paper 3A Areas of Concentration For the Aural Test, concentrate on: - Rhythm - Melody - Two-part Writing - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Themes and Musical Excerpts ## WAEC Music Paper 3B Areas of Concentration For Performance, concentrate on: - Your Chosen Voice or Instrument - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Prepared Pieces - Intonation - Rhythm - Tone - Expression ## Best Order to Study WAEC Music ### Stage 1 Rudiments Start with: - Staff - Clefs - Scales - Modes - Keys - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms ### Stage 2 Harmony Study: - Triads - Inversions - Dominant Seventh - Chord Progressions - Cadences - Harmonisation - Non-harmonic Tones - Modulation - SATB Writing ### Stage 3 Counterpoint and Composition Prepare: - Two-part Counterpoint - Melody Continuation - 12–16 Bar Melody - Modulation - English Text Setting ### Stage 4 Form and Analysis Study: - Binary - Ternary - Rondo - Extended Forms - Traditional African Forms - Contemporary African Art Music ### Stage 5 Aural Practise: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Dictation - Two-part Listening - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Themes ### Stage 6 Performance Practise: - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Performance Pieces ### Stage 7 Music History Study: - Traditional Musicians - Popular Musicians - Contemporary Art Musicians - Medieval Music - Renaissance Music - Baroque Music - Classical Music - Romantic Music - Twentieth-century Music - Black Music in the Diaspora ### Stage 8 African Music Finish with: - African Musical Instruments - Rhythm - Form - Vocal Styles - Texture - Traditional Songs - Traditional Dances Continue practising Aural and Performance throughout your preparation. ## How to Use These WAEC Music Areas of Concentration ### Use the Full Syllabus Use the complete syllabus as your main checklist. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-music-syllabus-questions/) ## Combine Theory With Practical Work Music cannot be prepared successfully by reading alone. Your revision should combine: - Reading - Writing Music - Listening - Singing - Playing an Instrument ## Practise Notation Regularly Frequently write: - Scales - Intervals - Chords - Cadences - Transpositions - Harmonisations - Short Melodies ## Practise Aural Work Frequently Train yourself to hear and recognise: - Rhythm - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Scales - Modes ## Practise Your Performance Instrument Your weekly practice should include: - Technique - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Performance ## Study History by Period For Western music, organise composers under: - Medieval - Renaissance - Baroque - Classical - Romantic - Twentieth Century ## Study African Musicians by Genre For Nigerian popular music, arrange musicians under: - Highlife - Afrobeat - Juju - Fuji - Waka - Afro-Pop - Afro-Reggae - Hip-Hop This makes revision easier. ## What Should You Focus on Most for WAEC Music Study the complete syllabus, but make sure you are confident in: - Staff Notation - Clefs - Major and Minor Scales - African Modes - Keys and Key Signatures - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Chords - Triads - Cadences - Harmony - Modulation - Counterpoint - Melody Writing - Form and Analysis - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Dictation - Chord Recognition - Cadence Recognition - Aural Modulation - Performance - Sight-reading - Scales and Arpeggios - African Musical Instruments - African Rhythm - Popular African Music - Western Music History - Black Music in the Diaspora ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What Are the WAEC Music Areas of Concentration for 2027? The main areas are Theory and Composition, Aural Tests, Performance, History and Literature of Music, Traditional African Music, Popular African Music and Black Music in the Diaspora. ### What Should I Concentrate on Most in WAEC Music? Give strong attention to notation, scales, harmony, cadences, modulation, composition, aural work, performance, music history and African music. ### Is Harmony Included? Yes. Study: - Triads - Chord Inversions - Dominant Seventh - Chord Progressions - Cadences - Harmonisation - Modulation - Four-part Harmony ### What Cadences Should I Study? Prepare: - Perfect - Plagal - Interrupted - Imperfect ### Is Counterpoint Included? Yes. The syllabus includes **two-part free counterpoint**. ### Is Composition Included? Yes. You may be required to continue a given melodic phrase to form a melody of **12 to 16 bars** and to set English text to music. ### Is Aural Work Included? Yes. Paper 3A tests: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Writing - Two-part Phrase - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Theme Identification ### Is Performance Compulsory? Yes. Every candidate must offer an instrument or voice for the Performance Test. ### Which Instruments Are Included? The syllabus lists options including: - Voice - Piano or Electronic Keyboard - Violin - Guitar - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone - Trumpet - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba ### Is Sight-reading Included? Yes. Sight-reading forms part of the Performance Test. ### Is African Music Included? Yes. You should study African: - Instruments - Rhythm - Forms - Vocal Styles - Textures - Traditional Songs - Dances ### What African Rhythmic Concepts Should I Study? The syllabus includes: - Metrical Rhythm - Non-metrical Rhythm - Cross-rhythm - Hemiola - Syncopation - Polyrhythm ### What Musical Textures Should I Study? Prepare: - Monophonic - Homophonic - Polyphonic ### What Traditional Song Types Should I Study? The syllabus includes: - Dirges - Cradle Songs - Lullabies - Ritual Songs - Folk Songs - Satirical Songs ### Is Popular Nigerian Music Included? Yes. Genres listed include: - Highlife - Afrobeat - Juju - Fuji - Waka - Afro-Pop - Afro-Reggae - Hip-Hop ### Can WAEC Ask About Current African Musicians? The syllabus notes that questions may also be asked on **current and very widely known musicians of African origin**. ### What Western Music Periods Should I Study? Prepare: - Medieval - Renaissance - Baroque - Classical - Romantic - Twentieth Century ### Is Black Music in the Diaspora Included? Yes. Forms listed include: - Spiritual - Jazz - Blues - Rock - Gospel - Soul - Calypso - Reggae - Afrobeat ### What Should I Study for Music Paper 1? Paper 1 can draw questions from the entire syllabus, so prepare Theory, History, African Music and the other major syllabus areas. ### What Should I Study for Music Paper 2? Concentrate on: - Composition - Harmony - Counterpoint - Form and Analysis - Prescribed Set-work - Western Music History - African Music History - Black Music in the Diaspora ### What Are the WAEC Music Set-works for 2027? The syllabus requires prescribed set-work analysis, but the works are selected for particular examination periods. Use the current WAEC-approved set-work list for your examination year rather than relying on an old annual list. ### Where Can I Download the Complete WAEC Music Syllabus? Use the [WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-music-syllabus-questions/) page. ### Where Can I Find Areas of Concentration for Other WAEC Subjects? Use the [WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/waec-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) page. ## Conclusion The **[WAEC](https://www.waecnigeria.org/) Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028** cover Theory and Composition, Aural Tests, Performance, History and Literature, African Music, Popular Music and Black Music in the Diaspora. For Theory, concentrate on notation, scales, African modes, keys, intervals, transcription, transposition, harmony, cadences, modulation, counterpoint and composition. For Aural, practise rhythmic dictation, melody writing, chord recognition, cadences, modulation and identification of musical themes. For Performance, work regularly on your chosen voice or instrument, including technical exercises, scales, arpeggios and sight-reading. You should also study Western music periods, African musicians, Nigerian popular music genres, Black Music in the Diaspora, African musical instruments, rhythm, vocal styles, textures and traditional dances. Use the complete syllabus as your main checklist and combine your reading with regular listening, notation, aural and performance practice. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-music-syllabus-questions/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/waec-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects](/waec-syllabus-for-all-subjects-pdf-download/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Timetable 2027](/waec-timetable-for-science-art-and-commercial/)