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- Year 9
Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass
I can identify different rhythmic values and am able to apply these to a ground bass.
- Year 9
Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass
I can identify different rhythmic values and am able to apply these to a ground bass.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The tresillo rhythm is a syncopated three-note pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern).
- The habanera rhythm is a two beat rhythm that is similar to the tresillo in that the second note is syncopated.
- The tresillo and habanera contain dotted notes, which is a type of note worth 1.5 times the value of the original note.
- Adapting a ground bass by using either the tresillo or habanera to add rhythmic interest.
Keywords
Semibreve - also known as a whole note, this is worth four beats
Semiquaver - also known as a sixteenth note, this is worth 1/4 of a beat
Dotted note - this type of note is worth 1.5 times the value of the original value
Tresillo - a syncopated three-note rhythmic pattern stretched across four beats (often called 3-3-2 pattern)
Habanera - a two beat rhythm that uses dotted notes and an accented upbeat
Common misconception
One iteration of the tresillo and habanera has to last for two beats.
The tresillo and habanera can be played in 2/4 or 4/4. The important thing is the relationship of the notes to each other. Practise clapping the rhythms twice as fast or slow to the same beat to help pupils grasp this concept.
To help you plan your year 9 music lesson on: Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 music lesson on: Adding rhythmic variation to ground bass, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Harmonic progressions and bass lines unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which best describes rhythm in music?
Q2.When the emphasis falls on the off-beat or unexpected part of the bar, this is called ...
Q3.The tresillo rhythm is also known as the ...
Q4.What happens to the length of a note when it has a dot after it?
Q5.Match the British and American note names:
whole note
half note
quarter note
eighth note
sixteenth note
Q6.A semiquaver is worth of a beat in 4/4 time.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the tresillo rhythm counting pattern?
Q2.What is the habanera rhythm?
Q3.Match each rhythm to its description:
syncopated 3–3–2 rhythm across four beats
2-beat syncopated rhythm with dotted notes
increases the note’s length by half its value