Making more of rhythmic ideas
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create longer phrases of material by developing small rhythmic ideas.
Key learning points
- Composers should carefully consider how to use rhythm.
- Composers can use augmentation and diminution to develop musical ideas, such as new melodic ideas or countermelodies.
- Our composing skills develop through making the most of small musical ideas.
- Using rhythmic devices creates interest and variety for the listener.
Keywords
Augmentation - Augmentation is when you proportionally increase the note lengths of a rhythm.
Diminution - Diminution is when you proportionally decrease the note lengths of a rhythm.
Countermelody - A countermelody is a secondary melody played at the same time as the main melody.
Common misconception
Augmentation and diminution are not the same as augmented and diminished.
Augmentation and diminution are devices that affect the rhythm of music. Augmented and diminished are types of chords and refer to the harmony of music.
Teacher tip
Augmentation and diminution are used here as a tool to encourage pupils to extend and develop new ideas from material they have already created. Aiming for rhythmic perfection with this is less important than using recognisable motifs throughout their music.
Equipment
A keyboard (or other suitable instrument) or DAW/notation software
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
