Using rhythmic devices
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how a composer uses rhythmic devices effectively, and can use some of these in my own composition.
Key learning points
- Rhythmic devices can be effective for creating interesting musical ideas, adding variety and developing ideas.
- Common rhythmic devices include syncopation, polyrhythm, ostinato and anacrusis.
- In some styles, using cross rhythms, hemiolas, diminution and augmentation can be very effective.
- To choose rhythmic devices, consider your desired musical effect as well as what devices are most idiomatic.
Keywords
Polyrhythm - multiple different rhythms playing at the same time
Cross rhythm - a polyrhythm in which two or more of the rhythms 'conflict' and feel like they have a different pulse
Hemiola - when three notes are played over the duration of two or vice versa, creating the feeling of tempo change
Syncopation - where a rhythm emphasises notes in between the main beats
Diminution - where the notes in a melody or rhythm are all shortened by the same proportion (e.g. in half)
Common misconception
It is important to use lots of different rhythmic devices.
It is more important to use a few rhythmic devices that are effective and idiomatic for the style, rather than using lots of different rhythmic devices.
Teacher tip
This composition is a useful starting point for exploring: composing for percussion; composing for small ensemble; structure; using modes; writing in compound time; using dynamics and articulation; varying texture.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - percussion quartet (score) 105.78 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - percussion quartet (audio) 2.33 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Put these note values in order from shortest to longest.
Q2.In a time signature of 6/8, how many beats are there in a bar?
Q3.Which of these textures has 'many' independent lines of music?
Q4.When a composition uses musical devices that are typical or characteristic of a particular musical style, it is ...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Using rhythmic devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Using rhythmic devices, 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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