Composing rhythmic ideas
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create short rhythmic patterns as the first steps in free composition.
Key learning points
- The rhythm and syllables of words can help us create rhythmic variety in our compositions.
- Variety is important as it creates interest for the listener, so we need to use both simple and complex rhythms.
- We can also use syncopation and polyrhythms to create interest.
- Using repeated patterns or an ostinato allows the music to have a sense of unity.
Keywords
Ostinato - An ostinato is a short, repeated pattern.
Polyrhythm - A polyrhythm is when two or more independent rhythmic patterns are played at the same time.
Syncopation - Syncopation is when a rhythm emphasises notes in between the main beats; this effect is often created by half-beat rests on the beat or dotted rhythms.
Common misconception
To compose a rhythm we need to consider notation first.
It is important to encourage pupils not to be restricted by only rhythms they can notate and for them to experiment with rhythmic patterns that they like musically. Highlight that individual note durations such as a crotchet are not rhythms.
Teacher tip
Different options have been used as potential rhythmic starting points. Any notation has been used as an image to help explanation rather than to encourage pupils to compose rhythms. Notation can be restricting for creating rhythms so try to avoid pupils connecting up individual note durations.
Equipment
A keyboard (or other suitable instrument) or DAW/notation software
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are articulation marks?
Q2.A chord is a repeating pattern of chords that provides the harmony in a piece of music.
Q3.Match the note value to its name:
Q4. describes movement by leaps in a melodic line
Q5.Which word describes when the notes of a chord are repositioned so the the root note is no longer the lowest note in the chord?
Q6.What word describes a melodic line moving in step?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these terms refer to dynamics in music?
Q2.An is a short, repeated rhythmic pattern.
Q3.What word describes when two or more different rhythms are played at once?
Q4.Which word describes rhythms that emphasises (accent) notes in between the main beats?
Q5.What features would a simple rhythm contain?
Q6.What features would a complex rhythm contain?
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Composing rhythmic ideas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Composing rhythmic ideas, 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 4 music lessons from the Free composition: Creative starting points unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.