Basics of Rhythmic Composition

Summary

Students will learn to compose a basic 4-bar rhythm, perform it together with a song and show the end result to their peers!

⏰ Time: 40 min

🎓 Grades: 6-12

🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson, students will be able to...

• Compose a 4-measure rhythm to accompany a given melody and chord progression

💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of basic rhythms

💻 Teaching aids:

• Solfeg.io app best used with Chrome browser
• Projector or computer and access to WIFI
• Handout (optional)

Inspiration

🕐 10 min - Explain the song

• Teacher welcomes students by playing a song of choice from the website, with song displayed overhead.
• Teacher invites students to choose a rhythmic part to play as they listen. Each rhythmic part should be assigned a body percussion.
• For example:
• Rhythm 1 - Clap
• Rhythm 2 - Stomp
• Rhythm 3 - Pat
• Students complete a quick journal, answering the following prompt: Imagine you are a songwriter:
• How would you go about the creative process?
• Where would you start first (lyrics, rhythm, melody, etc.)?
• What would be the overall feeling or mood of the song?(note: This journal prompt could be applied to future composition lessons.)
• Class briefly discusses responses.

Warm-Up

🕐 10 min - Class Composition

• Class votes on their favorite song from three choices pre-selected by teacher (note: Song choices should be in the meter which you wish students to work);
• Teacher projects four empty bars onto the board;
• Teacher selects student volunteers to compose one beat in each measure. Students may use the rhythm bank to help select rhythms.
• After Measure 1, students will clap and count using rhythm syllables. Repeat the process for each measure.
• Students clap and count all 4 measures, reviewing any necessary spots.
• Teacher plays recording of selected song and students perform the final composition.

Practice

🕐 15 min - Exercise 1

• Teacher distributes a worksheet containing four empty bars and assigns student groups.
• Students compose a 4-measure rhythm in 4/4, using the Rhythm Bank (download it at the bottom of the lesson plan) as a springboard.
• Teacher conferences with each group as they compose, providing feedback and help as necessary.
• Once approved, students will choose a song in 4/4 from a list selected by the teacher.
• SW practice speaking and clapping their rhythm with the song of their choice.

🕐 5 min - Exercise 2

• Teacher pairs up groups.
• Each group will demonstrate their rhythmic composition, along with their song, for their assigned group.

Reflection

• After listening to the other groups, students discuss the other groups’ performance using the following prompts...
• I feel…
• I notice…
• I wonder...

Beyond the Lesson

• Students could perform their rhythmic composition for the teacher, as a form of assessment;
• Groups could exchange rhythmic compositions and learn a new rhythm as review.

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