Composing in a samba style
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a drumming composition in a 12/8 samba style.
Key learning points
- We have composed and performed a rhythmic piece in a 12/8 samba style.
- A successful samba structure includes a main groove and break sections.
- We developed these within the structure, by adding solo improvisations.
- Rhythms include a simple surdo pattern which outlines the beats, and more syncopated rhythms like the son clave.
- The polyrhythm often includes one instrument playing the son clave or another syncopated rhythm.
Keywords
12/8 - a compound time signature with twelve quavers in a bar, grouped in threes
Son clave - a five note syncopated rhythm commonly used in samba, described as 3:2 or 2:3
Syncopation - a syncopated rhythm is one that emphasises notes in between the main beats
Structure - the different sections of a piece and how the piece is organised
Common misconception
To compose a piece, all ideas have to be unique and totally made up.
Most successful compositions tend to borrow some ideas from pieces of a similar style and then adapt these ideas slightly.
Teacher tip
This lesson can be simplified by excluding the son clave section, only composing one section (the main groove), or by pupils using the suggested rhythms. Pupils could also compose a 4/4 groove. It could be extended by creating three breaks rather than one and by extending the structure.
Equipment
Surdos can be replaced with bass drums or floor toms. Smaller drums can be replaced with frame drums. You can also use cupped hands (bass), palm clap (tone) and full clap (slap) as an alternative.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which beats are commonly emphasised in a samba groove?
Q2.What does it mean to perform a 12/8 groove.
Q3.What is it called when the drum is played with the tip of the beater and the beater is held slightly on the skin?
Q4.Who signals the change of sections in a samba performance?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which two of the following refer to the surdo part?
Q2.Which of the following instruments often play the son clave rhythm?
Q3.Which instruments often play constant semiquavers in a samba ensemble?
Q4.Which of the following refer to improvisation?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Composing in a samba style, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Composing in a samba style, 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 3 music lessons from the Samba fusion unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.