Playing rhythmically in an ensemble
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse a drum kit part in an ensemble and implement strategies for playing in time in my own ensemble performance.
Key learning points
- Playing in time is a crucial aspect of ensemble performance, alongside having good balance.
- Without good timing, performances sound messy and unpolished, even if there are other strong elements.
- As a drummer, playing both grooves and fills at the correct tempo is crucial for the ensemble.
- We can use different strategies to work on playing in time.
- These include practising with a metronome and listening carefully to the other parts in the ensemble while playing.
Keywords
Groove - a repeating pattern, often played on a drum kit that provides the rhythmic accompaniment to the other parts
Fill - a short phrase in which the drummer plays a different pattern, highlighting the end of a section of music; fills usually last for 2 or 4 beats
Balance - the relative volume of different parts or instruments; effective balance is where every part can be heard clearly
Common misconception
Playing in time is not related to playing accurate notes.
It is hard to play in time if you can't play your part accurately. That is because your brain focuses on working out the notes, rather than playing them in time with the other parts. Perfecting your own part first helps a lot with playing in time.
Teacher tip
The different strategies used in this lesson will suit players in different ways. Beginners will benefit from playing with a metronome or backing track, while more experienced performers should focus on actively listening to the other players in the ensemble as this is a more advanced technique.
Files needed for this lesson
Performance exemplar - drum kit ensemble (audio) 3.95 MB (MP3)
Performance exemplar - drum kit ensemble (drum kit part) 73.17 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which statement best describes tempo in a performance?
Q2.Which issue is mostly caused by poor intonation?
Q3.When a musician makes music up on the spot during a performance, they are ...
Q4.Match each ensemble skill to the description that fits best.
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Playing rhythmically in an ensemble, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Playing rhythmically in an ensemble, 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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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Ensemble performance unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.