Layering rhythms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can layer multiple rhythms to create a polyrhythm as part of an ensemble.
Key learning points
- The lyrics and phrases of a song can be used to create a rhythmic ostinato.
- Multiple rhythmic ostinati can be layered to create a thicker texture.
- 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).
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 e.g. claves, djembe and shakers.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of an unpitched percussion instrument?
Q2.What is an upbeat?
Q3.An is a group of musicians who sing or play together.
Q4.An is a musical part that supports the main melody or chant.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a rhythmic ostinato?
Q2.Layering 'on-beat' and offbeat rhythms creates a ...
Q3.What is syncopation?
Q4.What is this rhythm?
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Layering rhythms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Layering rhythms, 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.