Creating and notating a repeating minimalist cell
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compose, practise and notate a repeating rhythmic minimalist cell.
Key learning points
- A repeating cell can form the structure of a minimalist composition.
- Ostinato is an Italian word meaning obstinate and describes a musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently.
- We can use a piece of minimalist music to inspire a new composition.
- Taka-mi is a new rhythm to us, with a one beat short-long-short rhythm pattern.
Keywords
Minimalism - a musical genre originating from the 1960s that includes the layering of multiple short, repeated musical ideas (cells) that subtly change over time
Cell - simple musical patterns that can be rhythmic or melodic (on ostinato in minimalism)
2-time, 3-time, 4-time, 5-time - the organisation and feel of the beats, beginning with a strong beat
Pitch - how high or low a note is
Rhythm - the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing
Common misconception
Minimalism has no structure.
Minimalist music does have structure, but this might be on a micro level. It employs repetition of cells - a cyclical structure.
Teacher tip
Keep your rhythmic cell notation safe - you will need this to continue your compositions.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments per group with the notes C, E, F, G.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the musical element to its definition.
Q2.A is like a musical thought, like a sentence in a story.
Q3.The marimba is a type of ...
Q4.When we sing in a choir, or play in a group, we are part of ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the duration pattern in the rhythm Taka-mi?
Q2.A cell in minimalism can form an if it is repeated consistently throughout the piece.
Q3.In minimalism, texture is built through the of simple cells.
Q4.True or false? Music always has four beats in a bar.
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Creating and notating a repeating minimalist cell, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Creating and notating a repeating minimalist cell, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 music lessons from the Compose and rehearse: creating and combining minimalist cells unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.