Introducing polyrhythm
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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
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