Introducing polyrhythm
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play two contrasting rhythms as part of an ensemble to create a polyrhythm.
Key learning points
- Different rhythms can be layered and played at the same time, this creates polyrhythm.
- ‘Poly’ is Greek for ‘many’, so polyrhythms means ‘many rhythms.’
- Combining on-beat and off-beat rhythm patterns creates an interesting polyrhythm.
- One way to notate polyrhythms is on a rhythm grid.
Keywords
Rhythm - the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the offbeat
Polyrhythm - playing two or more conflicting rhythms at the same time
Ensemble - a group of people who perform together
Common misconception
To create polyrhythms, all rhythms must be complicated.
The layered rhythms don't need to be complex, they just need to give a contrasting feel of the beat or metre. It's the layering that makes things more complicated.
Teacher tip
Sequence together your whole body, breathing and vocal exercises to warm up and prepare for singing together.
Equipment
Group sets of unpitched percussion that can hold a clear rhythm e.g. claves or djembe.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is an offbeat?
Q2.A originates from a particular country, culture or people and is usually passed down orally.
Q3.An is an exact copy of a musical phrase.
Q4.An instrumental part that supports a main melody is called __________.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.'Poly' in polyrhythms derives from the Greek word, meaning ...
Q2.True or false? Polyrhythms can only be displayed using stick notation.
Q3.Match the musical term to its definition.
Q4.When we think about layering rhythms to create polyrhythms, we are building ...
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Introducing polyrhythm, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Introducing polyrhythm, 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 Sing, play, perform: accompanying songs with polyrhythms unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.