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Lesson 4 of 6
Composing a four beat rhythm
I can compose a four beat rhythm using Ta and Ta-di and play it with a steady pulse.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
Composing a four beat rhythm
I can compose a four beat rhythm using Ta and Ta-di and play it with a steady pulse.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Beat and rhythm are not the same thing. We can play rhythms successfully when we are able to hold a steady beat.
- Ta is one beat. Ta-di is also one beat long.
- When we create new music we are composers. We can choose the sounds we like.
Keywords
Rhythm - the pattern of sounds that we play and sing
Beat - the playing or showing of the steady pulse, like the ticking of a clock
Chant - speaking in time to a pulse
Compose - to create music
Common misconception
Rhythm and beat are the same thing.
The beat is the playing or showing of the steady pulse, like the ticking of a clock. The rhythm is the pattern of sounds we play and sing over the steady beat.
Allow plenty of opportunities and activities for pupils to develop their sense of pulse. Being able to hold a steady beat is essential for playing rhythms successfully.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Manipulatives can be used instead of worksheets e.g. shaping the rhythms with lollipop sticks, or using one item to represent a Ta and two small items to represent a Ta-di.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.Pulse is...
Pulse is...
how fast or slow the music is played.
how high or low a note is.
Q2.How many syllables does the word 'apple' have?
How many syllables does the word 'apple' have?
Q3.Call and response is a and answer musical structure.
Call and response is a and answer musical structure.
Q4.Which stick notation shows Ta-di?
Which stick notation shows Ta-di?
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.True or false. Rhythm and beat are the same thing.
True or false. Rhythm and beat are the same thing.
Q2.A __________ creates their own new music.
A __________ creates their own new music.
performer
conductor
Q3.Which fruit phrase does this rhythm show?
Which fruit phrase does this rhythm show?
big green sweet pear
juicy round green grapes
Q4.Which rhythm shows 'round pink sharp grapefruit'?
Which rhythm shows 'round pink sharp grapefruit'?
Ta-di Ta-di Ta Ta-di
Ta Ta Ta Ta