a number sequence where where each number is the sum of the previous two, starting from 0 and 1

a visual pattern formed by drawing arcs connecting the corners of squares whose side lengths follow the Fibonacci sequence

a special or ‘perfect’ proportion found in nature, art, music and maths that makes things look and sound balanced and beautiful

the point of the most intensity, the peak of the music

Eric Whitacre’s term to describe a small musical idea that is the core building block on which the whole piece is built

Task A rhythm - clave with Takadimi (audio)

British English CC

Task A rhythm - clave only (audio)

Task A Body Percussion Video

Task B - Impossible Magnitude Example Piece (audio)

Metre Mix-Up (video)

Body Percussion - Echo Rhythms (video)

The golden ratio and music

Music

Introducing programme music

Composing programme music with a 'golden brick'

Inspired by Earth Choir

In this unit, pupils are introduced to the term, programme music. They study the programme music symphonic work, Deep Field, by Eric Whitacre and use this as their inspiration for composing, considering structuring around the golden ratio and the use of small music ideas called golden bricks.

Compose and create: cosmic programme music

How does the Fibonacci sequence sometimes relate to music?

True or false? The golden ratio is often a symbol of balance and beauty in music, art, maths and nature.

If the climax of the piece is at the golden ratio, this will be roughly __________ of the way through the piece.

We reach the Deep Field at the point of the ...

the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing

Match the musical element to its definition.

{{}} music is instrumental music that aims to represent something non-musical, such as a story, picture, scene, idea or emotion. This contrasts with absolute music.

A __________ is a self-contained section of a large-scale musical composition, like a chapter in a book.

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet