--- title: "WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download" url: https://examloaded.com/waec-music-syllabus-questions/ date: 2026-07-10 modified: 2026-10-16 lang: en author: "Rabiu Francis" description: "Download the WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF and see the complete theory, composition, aural, performance, African music, history and literature topics for WASSCE. The WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 contains the..." categories: - "2027 Official WAEC Exam Insights: Practice Questions, and Syllabus" - "WAEC Syllabus 2027" image: https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WAEC-Music-Syllabus-2027-2028-Questions-PDF-Download.webp word_count: 4062 --- # WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download Download the WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF and see the complete theory, composition, aural, performance, African music, history and literature topics for WASSCE. The **WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028** contains the theory, composition, aural, performance, history and literature topics you need to prepare for the WASSCE Music examination. [![WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download](https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WAEC-Music-Syllabus-2027-2028-Questions-PDF-Download-300x203.webp)](https://examloaded.com/waec-music-syllabus-questions/waec-music-syllabus-2027-2028-questions-pdf-download/)WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download Music is both a theoretical and practical subject. The syllabus expects you to understand musical notation, scales, harmony, counterpoint and composition, but you must also develop listening and performance skills. **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/) The major areas covered are: - Theory of Music - Composition - Rudiments of Music - Harmony - Counterpoint - Form and Analysis - Aural Tests - Performance - History and Literature of Western Music - Traditional African Music - Contemporary African Art Music - Popular African Music - Black Music in the Diaspora The syllabus also expects candidates to explore basic computer software applications in music and develop enough practical skill to perform as soloists. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects](/waec-syllabus-for-all-subjects-pdf-download/) ## Download WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF You can download the complete **WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF** and use it as your main study guide. The PDF covers: - WAEC Music Examination Structure - Rudiments of Music - Musical Notation - Scales - African Modes - Keys and Key Signatures - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms and Signs - Harmony - Chords and Triads - Cadences - Modulation - Four-part Harmony - Counterpoint - Composition - Form and Analysis - Aural Tests - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Writing - Chord Recognition - Cadences - Modulations - Theme Identification - Performance Test - Voice - Piano and Electronic Keyboard - Violin - Guitar - Wind Instruments - History and Literature of Music - Traditional African Music - Popular African Music - Contemporary African Art Music - Western Music History - Black Music in the Diaspora - Traditional African Dances - Recommended Music Textbooks [**DOWNLOAD WAEC MUSIC SYLLABUS 2027/2028 PDF**](https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MUSIC.pdf) Use the syllabus together with your Music textbook, practical lessons, listening exercises and WAEC past questions. ## Objectives of the WAEC Music Syllabus The syllabus expects you to: - Explore the basic elements of music through reading, writing, listening, aural recognition, improvisation and composition. - Develop practical skills and confidence in musical performance. - Understand historical, social and economic factors that influenced composers and musical development. - Compose short vocal or instrumental pieces. - Explore basic computer software applications in music. The subject therefore combines: **Theory + Listening + Composition + Performance + History** ## WAEC Music Examination Structure There are **three papers — Papers 1, 2 and 3**. Paper 3 is divided into: - Paper 3A — Aural Test - Paper 3B — Performance Test ## WAEC Music Paper 1 Paper 1 is a **multiple-choice objective examination**. It contains **40 questions** drawn from the entire syllabus. You are required to answer all the questions within **1 hour**. The paper carries **40 marks**. Because the questions are drawn from the entire syllabus, you should not ignore any major section. ## WAEC Music Paper 2 Paper 2 is an essay-type examination. It contains **five questions**. You are required to answer **three questions within 2 hours** for **60 marks**. Two questions are compulsory: - Question 1 — Theory/Composition - Question 2 — Analysis of Prescribed Set-works The areas covered include: - Composition - Harmony - Counterpoint - Form and Analysis - History and Literature of Music in Western Traditions - History and Literature of Music in African Traditions - Black Music in the Diaspora ## WAEC Music Paper 3A Aural Test Paper 3A is a **45-minute listening examination**. It carries **50 marks**. The Aural Test contains seven major areas: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Writing - Upper or Lower Part of a Two-part Phrase - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Identification or Description of Themes ## WAEC Music Paper 3B Performance Test Paper 3B is a **30-minute practical performance examination**. It carries **50 marks**. Every candidate offers either an instrument or voice. The performance examination can test: - Sight-reading - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Prepared Performance Pieces ## Theory of Music and Composition Theory and Composition is one of the most important areas of the syllabus. It consists of: - Rudiments of Music - Elementary Harmony - Counterpoint - Composition - Form and Analysis ## Rudiments of Music You should study the basic elements used in reading and writing music. The syllabus includes: - Notation - Staff - Clefs - Scales - Modes - Keys - Key Signatures - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms - Signs - Ornaments - Abbreviations ## Musical Staff Understand: - Meaning of Staff - Lines and Spaces - Placement of Notes - Relationship Between Staff and Clefs ## Clefs The syllabus includes: - C Clef - G Clef - F Clef You should understand how the clef affects the pitch represented by notes on a staff. ## Western Scales The syllabus includes both diatonic and chromatic scales. ### Diatonic Scales Study: - Major Scale - Natural Minor - Harmonic Minor - Melodic Minor ### Chromatic Scale The syllabus specifies the **melodic chromatic scale**. Be able to recognise and write the relevant scales. ## African Modes The syllabus includes: - Pentatonic — 5-tone - Hexatonic — 6-tone - Heptatonic — 7-tone Know the number of tones in each mode and understand their application in African music. ## Keys and Key Signatures Study: - Major Keys - Minor Keys - Key Signatures - Relationships Between Keys This is important for harmony, modulation, transcription and composition. ## Time Signatures The syllabus covers: - Simple Time - Compound Time You should be able to recognise and use both. ## Intervals Understand how to identify and construct musical intervals. This knowledge is useful in: - Melody Writing - Harmony - Counterpoint - Aural Work ## Transcription The syllabus requires: - Staff Notation to Solfa - Solfa to Staff Notation Practise both directions. ## Transposition Study musical transposition, including **writing for transposing instruments**. This requires good knowledge of: - Keys - Intervals - Accidentals - Key Signatures ## Musical Terms, Signs, Ornaments and Abbreviations You should understand common musical directions and symbols used in written music. Do not simply memorise the names. Know what each sign means when you see it in a score. ## Elementary Harmony Harmony is another major part of the syllabus. It includes: - Chords and Triads - Chord Inversions - Chord Progressions - Cadences - Harmonisation - Non-harmonic Tones - Modulation - Four-part Harmony ## Primary Triads The syllabus includes: - I or i - IV or iv - V and their inversions. ## Secondary Triads Study: - ii - iii - vi and their inversions. ## Chord VII The diminished chord built on the seventh degree and its inversions are also included. ## Dominant Seventh Chord The syllabus covers the **dominant seventh chord and its inversions**. ## Cadences You should understand the following cadences in both major and minor keys: ### Perfect Cadence **V – I** ### Plagal Cadence **IV – I** ### Interrupted Cadence **V – vi** ### Imperfect Cadence Examples listed include: - I – V - ii – V - iii – V - IV – V ## Harmonising a Melody You may be required to use primary and secondary triads when harmonising a given melody. The syllabus also includes: - 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 Modulation is limited to closely related keys. Study modulation from the home key to: - Dominant - Subdominant - Relative Major - Relative Minor ## Four-part Harmony The syllabus includes four-part writing for: **SATB** That means: - Soprano - Alto - Tenor - Bass You should understand correct chord arrangement and voice movement within the level required by the syllabus. ## Counterpoint The syllabus covers **two-part free counterpoint**. You may be required to add a part: - Above a Given Melody - Below a Given Melody ## Composition The composition section has two major requirements. ### Melody Writing You may be given a melodic phrase and required to continue it. The completed melody should contain: - Not Less Than 12 Bars - Not More Than 16 Bars It may be in: - Major Key - Minor Key You may also be required to modulate to a specified related key. ## Setting English Text to Music The syllabus also requires candidates to set a given **English text to music**. This means you should practise matching: - Words - Rhythm - Melody - Musical Phrasing ## Form and Analysis You should understand both simple and extended musical forms. ## Simple Musical Forms The syllabus gives examples such as: - Binary - Ternary - Rondo ## Extended Musical Forms Examples include: - Overture - Oratorio - Opera - Cantata - Suite - Sonata - Symphony - Concerto Know the main characteristics of these forms. ## Form in Traditional African Music The syllabus includes: - Call and Response - Cantor and Chorus - Call and Refrain - Repetitive or Cyclic Forms ## Form in Contemporary African Art Music Give attention to compositional techniques involving: - Melody - Rhythm - Harmony - Instrumentation - Through-composed Pieces ## Prepared Set-works The syllabus states that prescribed set-works are selected for compulsory analysis in Paper 2. Because set-work selections are subject to change, you should use the **current WAEC-approved set-work list for your examination year** rather than relying on old annual lists. The syllabus also states that information on set pieces can be obtained through WAEC offices in member countries. ## WAEC Music Aural Test The Aural Test contains **seven tests**, all of which candidates are expected to attempt. ## Rhythmic Dictation A rhythmic passage not exceeding **four bars** is played. You are required to write the rhythm on a monotone. The examiner provides: - Time Signature - Speed or Pulse The passage may be in: - Simple Time - Compound Time This section carries **8 marks**. ## Melody Writing from Dictation You may hear a short melodic passage of not more than four bars. The music may contain elements of African music. It can be: - Modal - Major - Minor This section carries **8 marks**. ## Two-part Phrase A two-part passage in a major or minor key may be played. You may be asked to write: - The Upper Part - The Lower Part The passage does not exceed four bars. This carries **8 marks**. ## Chord Recognition A passage in a named key containing not more than eight chords may be played. You should be able to identify chords using either: - Roman Numerals - Technical Descriptions Examples may include: - Ic - V - vib - Dominant - First Inversion - Subdominant - Root Position This section carries **8 marks**. ## Cadence Recognition You should be able to recognise: - Perfect - Imperfect - Interrupted - Plagal This carries **6 marks**. ## Modulation Recognition You should be able to identify simple modulations to: - Dominant - Subdominant - Relative Major - Relative Minor This carries **6 marks**. ## Identification and Description of Themes You may hear musical themes or excerpts and be asked to identify or describe them. At least one excerpt will be African. Questions can focus on: - Form - Style - Genre - Principal Instrument - Scale - Mode - Metre This section carries **6 marks**. ## How to Prepare for the Aural Test Practise listening regularly. Train yourself to recognise: - Rhythm - Melody - Intervals - Chords - Cadences - Modulation - Meter - Scales - Modes - Instruments Aural skills improve mainly through repeated listening and practice. ## WAEC Music Performance Test Every candidate must offer **voice or an instrument** for the practical examination. Sight-reading forms part of the test. The syllabus lists approved performance options including: - Voice - Pianoforte - Electronic Keyboard - Violin - Guitar - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Saxophone - Trumpet - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba ## Voice The voice categories include: - Soprano - Alto - Tenor - Baritone/Bass ## What Is Assessed in Voice Performance The syllabus indicates that areas such as the following are considered: - Tone Production - Purity of Vowels - Breath Control - Flexibility - Intonation - Articulation - Diction ## Voice Performance Marking The performance schedule allocates: - 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 The sight-singing test may be in: - Major Key - Minor Key - Modal Key One test may contain an African rhythm. ## Violin The Violin performance section includes: - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Prepared Pieces - Sight-reading Areas considered during assessment include: - Intonation - Tone Production - Bowing - Finger Action - Instrument Position - Rhythm - Musical Expression ## Piano and Electronic Keyboard The Piano section includes: - Major Scales - Minor Scales - Chromatic Scales - Arpeggios - Broken Chords - Prepared Pieces - Sight-reading ## Piano Scales The syllabus includes major and minor scales in all keys, with specific requirements for: - Similar Motion - Contrary Motion - Number of Octaves ## Chromatic Scales Candidates should also practise chromatic scales. ## Piano Arpeggios Major and minor common-chord arpeggios are included. ## Wind Instruments The syllabus includes wind-instrument performance. Examples include: - Recorder - Atenteben - Flute - Clarinet - Trumpet - Saxophone - Trombone - Euphonium - Tuba ## Wind Instrument Technical Exercises The syllabus includes exercises based on: - C Major - G Major - D Major - F Major - B-flat Major - E Minor - A Minor - D Minor - Arpeggios Candidates may be required to play exercises: - Legato - Staccato ## Performance Test Requirements Candidates should remember that: - Performance from memory is optional unless a particular exercise is required from memory. - Candidates performing from memory should still provide copies for the examiner where required. - Candidates should perform pieces from approved lists. - Candidates may need to provide their own accompanist. - A recorded accompaniment may be used where permitted. - Candidates should provide a music stand if required. - Two sight-reading tests may be given. ## History and Literature of Music The syllabus expects general knowledge of: - Historical Background - Important Works - Contributions of Musicians and Composers - Musical Periods - Musical Forms The main groups are: - Traditional Musicians and Composers - Popular Musicians - Contemporary Art Musicians - Western Composers - Black Music in the Diaspora ## Traditional Nigerian Musicians and Composers Names 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 and Composers The syllabus also contains Ghanaian musicians because the WASSCE syllabus covers the wider West African region. Examples include: - Vinoko Akpalu - Yaa Adusa - Afua Abasa - Kakraba Lobi - Gilbert Berese - Kodjo Nuatro - Kwamina Pra ## Popular Nigerian Music The syllabus groups popular Nigerian musicians by genres such as: - Highlife - Afrobeat - Juju - Fuji - Waka - Afro-Pop - Afro-Reggae - Hip-Hop ## Nigerian Highlife Examples include: - Victor Olaiya - Celestine Ukwu - Victor Uwaifo - Nico Mbarga - Rex Jim Lawson - Bobby Benson - Stephen Osita Osadebe - Eddie Okonta ## Afrobeat Examples include: - Fela Anikulapo Kuti - Femi Kuti - Orlando Julius Ekemode ## Juju Examples include: - I. K. Dairo - Fatai Rolling Dollar - Ebenezer Obey - Sunny Ade - Prince Adekunle - Segun Adewale - Dele Abiodun - Shina Peters ## Fuji The syllabus lists musicians such as: - Sikiru Ayinde Barrister - Ayinla Kollington - Wasiu Ayinde Marshall - Abass Obesere - Wasiu Alabi Pasuma - Saheed Osupa ## Waka Examples include: - Batile Alake - Kuburatu Alaragbo - Salawatu Abeni ## Afro-Pop Examples include: - Onyeka Onwenu - Christy Essien-Igbokwe - Sonny Okosuns - Mike Okri - Lagbaja ## Afro-Reggae Examples include: - Majek Fashek - Ras Kimono - Victor Essiet - Evi Edna-Ogholi ## Hip-Hop The source syllabus includes examples such as: - Tuface Idibia - D’banj - P-Square - 9ice - Wande Coal - Davido The syllabus also notes that questions may be asked on **current and widely known musicians of African origin**. ## Contemporary Nigerian Art Musicians The syllabus lists figures such as: - T. K. E. Phillips - Fela Sowande - Ayo Bankole - W. W. C. Echezona - Adam Fiberesima - Akin Euba - Sam Akpabot - Laz Ekwueme - Okechukwu Ndubuisi - Bode Omojola - Christian Onyeji ## Western Music History The Western composers are grouped into major historical periods. ## Medieval Period Approximately: **450–1400** Examples listed 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 also includes: - Modest Mussorgsky - Mily Balakirev - César Cui - Alexander Borodin - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov ## Twentieth-century Music The syllabus lists composers including: - Béla Bartók - Igor Stravinsky - Arnold Schoenberg - Paul Hindemith - Aaron Copland - Heitor Villa-Lobos ## Black Music in the Diaspora The syllabus includes musicians such as: - 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 forms such as: - Spiritual - Jazz - Blues - Rock - Gospel - Soul - Calypso - Reggae - Afrobeat ## Traditional and Contemporary African Music This section covers: - Role of Music in African Society - Musical Instruments - Characteristics of African Music - Vocal Genres - Relationship Between Music and Other Arts - Traditional Dances ## Role of Music in Traditional African Society Understand how music functions in areas such as: - Ceremonies - Festivals - Religious Activities - Social Life - Entertainment - Dance - Drama ## African Musical Instruments Study: - Names - Description - Classification - Musical Functions - Non-musical Functions ## Characteristics of African Music The syllabus includes: ### Scales and Modes Understand African tonal organization. ### Rhythm Study: - Metrical Rhythm - Non-metrical Rhythm - Cross-rhythm - Hemiola - Syncopation - Polyrhythm ### Polyphony Understand the use of simultaneous musical lines or parts. ### Form Examples include: - Antiphony - Strophic Form - Through-composed Form ### Vocal Styles The syllabus includes: - Recitative - Yodelling - Ululation - Holler - Nasalization ### Texture Study: - Monophonic - Homophonic - Polyphonic ### Instrumentation Understand how instruments are combined in African music. ## Types of Traditional African Songs The syllabus includes: - Dirges - Cradle Songs - Lullabies - Ritual Songs - Folk Songs - Satirical Songs - Other Traditional Vocal Genres ## Relationship Between Music and Other Arts Study the relationship between music and: - Dance - Drama - Festivals ## Nigerian Traditional Dances The syllabus lists examples such as: - Bata - Egwu Amala - Atilogwu - Swange - Apiiri For each dance, know generally: - Ethnic Group - Occasion - Musical Context ## Ghanaian Traditional Dances The wider West African syllabus also includes examples such as: - Adowa - Kundum - Kete - Agbadza - Kpanlogo - Bamaya - Gahu and others. These should not be removed simply because your main preparation is for Nigeria, since the syllabus itself contains broader West African coverage. ## Best Order to Study WAEC Music ### Stage 1 Rudiments of Music Start with: - Staff - Clefs - Scales - Modes - Keys - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Musical Terms and Signs ### Stage 2 Harmony Study: - Primary Triads - Secondary Triads - Inversions - Dominant Seventh - Chord Progressions - Cadences - Non-harmonic Tones - Modulation - Four-part Harmony ### Stage 3 Counterpoint and Composition Prepare: - Two-part Counterpoint - Melody Continuation - 12–16 Bar Composition - Modulation - Setting English Text to Music ### Stage 4 Form and Analysis Study: - Binary - Ternary - Rondo - Overture - Oratorio - Opera - Cantata - Suite - Sonata - Symphony - Concerto - African Musical Forms ### Stage 5 Aural Work Practise: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Dictation - Two-part Listening - Chord Recognition - Cadence Recognition - Modulation - Theme Identification ### Stage 6 Performance Practise your chosen: - Voice - Keyboard - String Instrument - Wind Instrument Include: - Technical Exercises - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Performance Pieces ### Stage 7 History and Literature Study: - Traditional Musicians - Popular African Musicians - African Art Musicians - Western Music Periods - Important Composers - Black Music in the Diaspora ### Stage 8 African Music Finish with: - Musical Instruments - African Rhythms - African Forms - Vocal Styles - Texture - Traditional Song Types - Traditional Dances Continue aural and practical work throughout all the stages. ## How to Use the WAEC Music Syllabus ### Start With the Full Syllabus Use the complete syllabus as your main checklist. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC General Mathematics Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-mathematics-syllabus-questions/) ## Do Not Study Music as Theory Only Reading notes cannot replace: - Listening - Playing - Singing - Score Reading - Writing Music Include practical exercises in your weekly revision. ## Practise Staff Notation Regularly Write music frequently. Practise: - Scales - Intervals - Chords - Cadences - Transposition - Solfa Conversion - Harmony ## Practise Aural Skills Frequently Short daily listening sessions are better than waiting until the examination is near. Practise recognising: - Rhythm - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Modes - Instruments ## Practise With Your Performance Instrument Your performance preparation should include: - Technique - Scales - Arpeggios - Sight-reading - Musical Expression - Intonation - Rhythm ## Study Music History by Period Instead of memorising a long list of composers randomly, organise them under: - Medieval - Renaissance - Baroque - Classical - Romantic - Twentieth Century This makes revision easier. ## Study African Musicians by Genre For Nigerian popular music, organise musicians under: - Highlife - Afrobeat - Juju - Fuji - Waka - Afro-Pop - Afro-Reggae - Hip-Hop ## What Should You Focus on Most for WAEC Music You should cover the complete syllabus, but make sure you are particularly confident in: - Musical Notation - Clefs - Scales - African Modes - Keys and Key Signatures - Time Signatures - Intervals - Transcription - Transposition - Chords - Triads - Cadences - Harmony - Modulation - Counterpoint - Melody Writing - Form and Analysis - Aural Dictation - Chord Recognition - Cadence Recognition - Performance - Sight-reading - Scales and Arpeggios - Traditional African Music - Popular African Music - Western Music History - Black Music in the Diaspora For a focused revision guide, use the [WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028](/waec-music-areas-of-concentration/). ## Recommended Textbooks for WAEC Music The syllabus includes suggested references for further study. Examples include: - **ABRSM Rudiments and Theory of Music** - **Foundations of Traditional Music** — Akpabot - **Music and Dance for Colleges of Education** — Amuah and others - **Theory of Music: The Simplest Approach** — J. A. Amuah - **Music: An Appreciation** — Roger Kamien - **The Enjoyment of Music** — Joseph Machlis - **Understanding Music, Books 1–3** — I. T. Mensah - **African Music in Ghana** — J. H. K. Nketia - **Music, Dance and Drama** — J. H. K. Nketia - **Our Drums and Drummers** — J. H. K. Nketia - **Music for Senior Secondary Schools** — Robert Manford and others - **Analysis of Musical Classics** — Annie Warburton - **Harmony** - **Melody Writing and Analysis** - **Score Reading, Form and History** You can also use other good Music textbooks that adequately cover the syllabus. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What Is the WAEC Music Syllabus 2027/2028? It is the guide showing the theory, composition, aural, performance, history and African music topics candidates need to prepare for WASSCE Music. ### How Many Papers Are in WAEC Music? There are three main papers: - Paper 1 - Paper 2 - Paper 3 Paper 3 is divided into Aural and Performance sections. ### How Many Questions Are in WAEC Music Paper 1? Paper 1 contains **40 multiple-choice questions**. ### How Long Is Music Paper 1? Paper 1 lasts **1 hour** and carries **40 marks**. ### How Many Questions Are in Music Paper 2? Paper 2 contains **five questions**. ### How Many Questions Do I Answer in Paper 2? You answer **three questions**. Question 1 on Theory/Composition and Question 2 on set-work analysis are compulsory. ### How Long Is WAEC Music Paper 2? Paper 2 lasts **2 hours** and carries **60 marks**. ### Is There an Aural Test in WAEC Music? Yes. Paper 3A is a **45-minute Aural Test** carrying **50 marks**. ### What Comes Out in the Aural Test? The seven areas are: - Rhythmic Dictation - Melody Writing - Two-part Phrase - Chords - Cadences - Modulations - Theme Identification ### Is There a Practical Performance Test? Yes. Paper 3B is a **30-minute Performance Test** carrying **50 marks**. ### What Instruments Can I Use for WAEC Music? The syllabus includes performance options such as: - 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 Harmony Included? Yes. Harmony is one of the major theory areas. ### What Cadences Should I Study? Study: - Perfect - Plagal - Interrupted - Imperfect ### Is Modulation Included? Yes. Prepare modulation to: - Dominant - Subdominant - Relative Major - Relative Minor ### Is Counterpoint Included? Yes. The syllabus includes **two-part free counterpoint**. ### Is Composition Included? Yes. You may be required to continue a melodic phrase to produce a melody of **12 to 16 bars** and may also be required to set English text to music. ### Is African Music Included? Yes. African music forms a major part of the syllabus. Study: - Musical Instruments - Rhythm - Polyphony - Form - Vocal Styles - Texture - Traditional Song Types - Traditional Dances ### Do I Need to Study Ghanaian Music Too? The syllabus contains material from both Nigeria and Ghana as part of its wider West African coverage. You should therefore retain the Ghanaian sections where they appear in the syllabus rather than assuming only Nigerian examples can be tested. ### Is Popular Music Included? Yes. The syllabus includes Nigerian genres such as Highlife, Afrobeat, Juju, Fuji, Waka, Afro-Pop, Afro-Reggae and Hip-Hop. ### Can WAEC Ask About Current Musicians? The syllabus specifically notes that questions may also be asked on **current and widely known musicians of African origin**. ### Is Western Music History Included? Yes. You should study composers and developments from: - Medieval - Renaissance - Baroque - Classical - Romantic - Twentieth Century ### Is Black Music in the Diaspora Included? Yes. The syllabus includes forms such as: - Spiritual - Jazz - Blues - Rock - Gospel - Soul - Calypso - Reggae - Afrobeat ### What Are the WAEC Music Set-works for 2027? The syllabus requires prescribed set-works for Paper 2 analysis, but the set-work selections can change by examination year. Use the current WAEC-approved set-work list for the examination period rather than an old annual list. The syllabus indicates that information about current set pieces is available through WAEC offices. ### Where Can I Download the Complete WAEC Music Syllabus? Use the download section near the beginning of this article to save the complete PDF. ### Where Can I Find the WAEC Music Areas of Concentration? Use the [WAEC Music Areas of Concentration 2027/2028](/waec-music-areas-of-concentration/) page. ### Where Can I Find Syllabuses for Other WAEC Subjects? Use the [WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects](/waec-syllabus-for-all-subjects-pdf-download/) page. ## Conclusion The **[WAEC](https://www.waecnigeria.org/) Music Syllabus 2027/2028** covers Theory and Composition, Aural Work, Performance, History and Literature, Traditional African Music, Contemporary African Art Music, Popular African Music and Black Music in the Diaspora. For Theory, prepare notation, scales, modes, keys, intervals, transcription, transposition, harmony, cadences, modulation, counterpoint and composition. For Paper 3A, practise rhythmic and melodic dictation, chord recognition, cadences, modulation and identification of musical themes. For Paper 3B, prepare your chosen voice or instrument thoroughly, including scales, arpeggios, technical exercises and sight-reading. You should also study African and Western music history, important musicians and composers, African musical forms, traditional dances and music in the diaspora. Music is a practical subject, so do not depend only on reading. Combine your textbook and syllabus with regular listening, score writing, performance practice and WAEC past questions. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects](/waec-syllabus-for-all-subjects-pdf-download/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/waec-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Timetable 2027](/waec-timetable-for-science-art-and-commercial/)