Simple Rhythms in Songs

Summary

Students will learn names and values of simple rhythms. They will try to recognize different simple rhythms in a song. Students will be able to clap simple rhythms by the end of this lesson. For additional learning, use ‘Simple Rhythms in Songs’ class as homework!

⏰ Time: 45 min

🎓 Grades: 4-12

🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson students will know and/or be able to...

• Play and understand simple rhythms;
• Understand different musical elements and building blocks;
• Write the notes and label note lengths of rhythms.

💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:

• Rhythm Pyramid

💻 Materials:

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

Song suggestions:

A cover of
Riptide
VANCE JOY

A cover of
With Or Without You
U2

A cover of
Timebomb
WALK THE MOON

Inspiration

🕐 5 min - Explain the song

• Choose a song from ‘Song suggestions’ list, for example, ‘One Touch‘ by Jess Glynne.
• Ask students to take percussion instruments (you can also use clapping and beat-boxing).
• Turn off the projector/screen (or ask students to close their eyes).
• Click ‘Play’ and turn on the song.
• Use the song's backing track and clap/play the rhythm motifs of the song. Ask your students to play and copy you by ear.

Warm-Up

🕐 10 min - Explain rhythm patterns

• Turn the projector/screen back on.
• Choose one of the rhythm tracks that are suitable for your students, for example, ‘Kick’ track (located on the bottom);
• Open ‘Sound Controls’ and press the ‘solo’ function to the track which you chose to learn
• Ask the class to take their staff paper.
• Click ‘Play’ for the rhythm track and ask students to follow the screen and write down:
• All the note lengths and rests they can see in this track;
• Most common/repeating rhythm patterns in this track;
• Repeat the record of the track, if needed.
• Ask students to name the elements they found and write them on a whiteboard.

Practice

🕐 25 min - Exercise 1:

• Open ‘Sound Controls’ and ‘mute’ all rhythm tracks.
• Click the ‘Play’ button and play/clap each element that is written on the whiteboard 4-8 times together with the class (use the song as a backing track).
• ‘Unmute’ all rhythm tracks for full band sound.
• Choose a part of the song, for example, ‘Verse 1’,
• Arrange the speed of the record with the ‘slow down’ function if needed.
• Click ‘Play’ and perform the chosen rhythm track part together with the class.
• Let your students play the rhythm on their own with the record;
• If the class is ready, you can learn the next part, for example, ‘Chorus 1’, etc.

Reflection

🕐 5 min

• ‘Mute’ the rhythm track that your class has learned;
• Click ‘Play’ and let your class play the rhythm from beginning to the end with the backing track. (You can skip complicated bars or song parts and focus on keeping the tempo).
• Give positive feedback to each other and pointers to improve.
• When you learn another rhythm track, try playing it together with another rhythm track.

Beyond the Lesson

• Challenge students to go beyond the lesson...
• Give the class “Simple Rhythms in songs” as homework to students.

• Try to play the rhythm you just learned and sing the lead vocals of the song at the same time.
• Practice playing the other rhythm tracks of the same song learned in the class.

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