Layering simple accompaniments to create a thicker texture
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can add to the texture of a song by playing a simple ostinato.
Key learning points
- We can hear the texture become thicker as each layer of sound is added one at a time.
- Adding instruments with different timbres can make the texture more interesting.
- We can layer riffs or ostinati to make the texture thicker as an accompaniment to our songs.
- Feeling the steady pulse helps us to play different layers of sound in time together.
Keywords
Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds
Pulse - the regular steady heartbeat of the music
Riff - a word used in pop music to describea repeating musical pattern
Timbre - a description of the sound or tone of an instrument or voice
Ostinato - a repeating musical pattern that can be rhythmic or melodic
Common misconception
We can only play one ostinato at a time.
We can have two or more groups playing two or more ostinati that can fit together when played to a steady pulse. By playing rhythms on instruments with different timbres, and adding tuned percussion, we change the sound and thickness of the texture.
Teacher tip
Take time for feeling the steady pulse and making sure that the rhythms fit to the steady pulse before putting them together. Using instruments with different timbres such as claves and shaker eggs will help define the rhythms more clearly.
Equipment
Glockenspiels - one betweeen two, a range of different untuned percussion with different sounds/timbres.
Licence
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