Lesson Overview:
This lesson introduces students to rhythm concepts, including the names and symbols associated with music notation. Students will fill in a chart that outlines names and meanings of rhythmic musical symbols. Then, using these symbols, they will clap rhythm sequences and compose their first compositions. They will also compare these rhythmic sequences to math concepts.
Length of Lesson:
Four 45-minute periods
Instructional Objectives:
Students will:
- apply math concepts in fractions to musical notation recognition and rhythm execution.
- clap rhythm patterns using the above concepts.
- compose an eight-measure rhythmic composition that requires them to use all of the above concepts.
- recognize and identify the following musical symbols and concepts. They will understand their duration and their relationship to each other.
- quarter rest
- quarter note
- half note
- half rest
- pair of eighth notes
- measures
- bar lines
- double bar lines
- 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures
Supplies:
- Projector
- Sound System
- Pencils/pen and paper
- Rockin’ Rhythm Raps book and CD package (see the Sources section for complete bibliographic information
- Transparencies for overhead projector (one per student)
Instructional Plan:
Warm-Up
Pass out the Rhythmic
Notation Worksheet and ask students to fill in any information they already know. The column on the left should contain a drawing of the symbol. The column on the right should signify the duration of the note or notes in a whole number or a fraction. (This chart should be kept in the students’ notes, and students should add to it as new rhythm concepts are introduced.)
Developmental Activity
Complete the chart and review it as a class. The teacher should demonstrate how to represent the length of each rhythmic element visually in a clapping sequence, such as in the following examples:
- Quarter note – clap
- Quarter rest – hands out
- Half note – clap and hold with forward movement to represent the second beat
Guided Practice
The students will now read and clap out rhythm patterns from Rockin' Rhythm Raps. Display the overhead produced from Rockin' Rhythm Raps, pages 23-24. The first time, the teacher should clap the rhythms with the students. The students then clap out the rhythms again with the aid of the solo and rap accompaniment from the CD. Finally, turn off the right-hand speakers so that the class claps alone with the accompaniment. Repeat this exercise as needed until the class can clap the exercise with the accompaniment without the solo or the teacher.
Independent Activity
Ask students to compose an eight-measure rhythmic composition using the Assignment
Checklist. Have the students draw two parallel lines across a plain piece of paper in a landscape position. Show them how to divide these two lines into four measures. (Note: Since this exercise deals only with rhythmic elements, it is not necessary for students to draw the full, five-lined musical staff.)
Have the students write down the duration of each note and rest. This should be written below the line of music. The note heads should be placed near the bottom of the staff and the stems should point upward.
Using fractions in math, discuss the math concepts in notation.
1 quarter note = 4 sixteenth notes
1 quarter note = 2 eighth notes
1 whole note = 4 quarter notes
Closure
Have the students copy their compositions onto an overhead projector sheet. The class should clap out each student's composition.
Assessment:
This assignment should be graded as a class. Use the Assessment Checklist provided.
Extensions:
Rhythm dictation: Claps a simple four-beat rhythm pattern, and the class writes it down using notation.
Math problems: Have the class complete simple math/rhythm problems. For example, students can complete the following:
- half note + quarter note = _____
- whole note – quarter note = _____
Students can answer in notes or numbers.
Go on to the next lesson in this unit, Syncopated Duet, in which students will work in pairs to compose a duet that contains syncopated rhythm sequences.
Sources:
Print:
- Lavender, Cheryl. Rockin’ Rhythm Raps: A Sequential Approach to Rhythm Reading (book and CD package). Milwaukee, MN: Hal Leonard Publications.
Web:
Authors:
-
Leslie Thomas, Teacher
Thomas Pullen Arts Magnet School
Landover, MD
