Distinctions between rhythms define multicultural music better that any other representation. There are relatively little differences in instrumentation in multicultural music other than the additions of percussion instruments. Music lessons that teach multicultural music should start with rhythm patterns. For example, a Latin music beat differentiates itself by a catchy rhythm that accentuates body language and dance. A common Latin music lesson could begin with the traditional Cha Cha pattern; one, two, three and four. One, two, three and four. Or, one, two, cha cha cha.
Scales are taught differently for multicultural music. For example, the most ancient scale is the pentatonic scale. The pentatonic, widely used in today's rock guitar solos, is actually one of oldest scales dating back to the dawn of Chinese civilization and credited to the Chinese musicians playing simple instruments like flutes and bamboo pipes. A study of today's Chinese music lessons will center around simple instruments playing the five-note pentatonic scale.
Multicultural lessons and music may be centered around themes. Far-eastern music from India or Morocco might center on spirituality, while Chinese and Japanese may center on dedication to country and alliance. Although themes may not seem important to a student of multicultural music, it should be noted that patriotic songs will feature major keys, strong rhythms and percussion instruments while spiritual music might feature minor scales with subtle timing, strings and wind instruments.
Multiculturalism instruments can differ. Even though the guitar is probably the most widely used among all the instruments and cultures, guitars can vary drastically in shape and sound. Spanish and Latin guitarists use gigantic hollow-bodied guitars, while classical and European guitars are smaller and more streamlined. Other multicultural instrument lessons might include percussion instruments like maracas for Latins, Chinese with bells, cymbals and gongs, and European classical music lessons will include tympani and bass drums.