Year 7: Rhythm and beat
National Curriculum: Programmes of Study
1a 1b (if IT option is used)
2b 2e 2f 2g
3d
4a 4b 4c 4d
5b 5c 5f
Objectives
Through COMPOSING, PERFORMING, LISTENING and APPRAISING, the children should be learning :
(a) about the concept of beat and rhythm
(b) to notate rhythm using traditional notation
(d) to introduce semiquavers within traditional notation
(e) to structure their music within a given framework
(f) to internalise and reproduce rhythms which are played.
Additionally, the lesson embraces numeracy and spatial relationships of rhythms
Notes for guidance
Recommended software
To hear the MIDI files, a plug-in is required to hear them. The standard Windows media player is barely adequate. A preferred MIDI player is the crescendo plug-in.ICT opportunities
Using a scorewriter or the score editing function of a sequencer, ask pupils to compose a rhythm of 4 bars in length using traditional notation.
Using a sequencer, pupils could make up a rhythm lasting 4 bars. They could then experiment with the tempo functions and the looping functions of the sequencer to edit the data they have put into the computer.
Resources
A variety of sound resources could be introduced to illustrate the differences in timbre. Claves, congas, cowbells and triangles are suitable small percussion.