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      Layering rhythms

      I can layer multiple rhythms to create a polyrhythm as part of an ensemble.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson 4 of 6
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      • Year 6

      Layering rhythms

      I can layer multiple rhythms to create a polyrhythm as part of an ensemble.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. The lyrics and phrases of a song can be used to create a rhythmic ostinato.
      2. Multiple rhythmic ostinati can be layered to create a thicker texture.
      3. Layering 'on-beat; and offbeat rhythms creates a polyrhythm.

      Keywords

      • Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the offbeat

      • Rhythmic ostinato - a repeating musical idea created from a rhythmic pattern

      • Polyrhythm - playing two or more conflicting rhythms at the same time

      • Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds

      Common misconception

      Polyrhythms are only created with syncopated rhythm patterns.

      Polyrhythms are built from a combination of on and offbeat rhythms and rhythms that give a feeling of a different metre (beats per bar).

      Sequence together your whole body, breathing and vocal exercises to warm up and prepare for singing together.
      Teacher tip

      Equipment

      Group sets of unpitched percussion e.g. claves, djembe and shakers.

      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).

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      Lesson appears in

      UnitMusic / Sing, play, perform: accompanying songs with polyrhythms