Singing and playing syncopated rhythms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play and sing syncopated rhythms and know that syncopation is when beats that are usually weaker are emphasised.
Key learning points
- We can identfy offbeats in a bar whilst counting and clapping.
- Syncopated music can give us a sense of movement, grab our attention, or add an interesting groove to a piece.
- Syncopation can be played on any instrument including the voice.
- We can play and sing different syncopated rhythms layered over each other.
Keywords
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the beats that are usually weaker
Offbeat - weak beats or notes between beats
Pulse - the regular, steady heartbeat of the music
Rhythmic ostinato - a repeating musical idea created from a rhythmic pattern
Common misconception
Syncopated rhythms are really difficult.
Syncopated rhythms can be simple rhythms, but the emphasis on the offbeat can create an interesting, but not necessarily difficult, sound to recreate.
Teacher tip
Allow time for pupils to practise the syncopated rhythmic ostinato without singing before attempting to do both.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1. is the combination of different layers of sounds.
Q2.An is a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic.
Q3.True or false? Syncopation is the speed of the music.
Q4.Order these beats in 4-time from strongest to weakest.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.True or false? Syncopated rhythms are always difficult to play.
Q2.What is a rhythmic ostinato?
Q3.True or false? An offbeat is a weak beat or a note in between the beats.
Q4.The is the regular, steady heartbeat of the music.
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Singing and playing syncopated rhythms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Singing and playing syncopated 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 Singing for performance: syncopation in songs unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.