Sävellyksen tietopankki

Sävellyksen tietopankki

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9.

Small assignment: Polyphonic rhythm duet

Make up a polyphonic rhythm duet. Write it down as a score and perform it using various percussion instruments. Lyrics and a melody can be added.

Assignment author
Sanna Ahvenjärvi

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Basics

Skill level
Advanced level
Introductory level
Medium level
Specialised level
Group size
Individual tuition
Large group
Small group (2 to 8)
Minimum time required
1 lessons
2 lessons
One month

Goal and output

Pedagogical goal

Invent and rehearse a rhythm duet

Concrete output

Rhythm duet

Work progress

• Talk about what a 'polyphonic rhythm duet' means

• Use rhythms that are appropriate for the skill level of the group. Review the rhythms before performing the assignment if necessary. You may use familiar rhythm words for inventing the rhythms or come up with new rhythm words based on a current topic (harvest, Christmas, Easter, May Day, winter sports, summer holiday, etc.). Remember that you can use ties when writing rhythms.

• The assignment can be performed in a group, inviting each student in turn to come up with one measure of rhythm. The assignment may be all in one time signature, or the time signature can be varied if desired. The two parts of the rhythm duet should be created so that when one part has a long note value, the other part has shorter note values.

• The students may also be divided into pairs and instructed to come up with a rhythm duet by themselves. After they have finished, join up the duets of all the pairs into one long rhythm duet. Each pair may be invited for instance to come up with both parts for one measure. The time signature can be agreed with the group in advance, or else each pair can be allowed to choose their time signature. This will most likely produce a piece with changing time signatures.

• Write out the rhythm duet as a score. Talk about how to write a score.

• Perform the rhythm duet using rhythm instruments with different sounds, or select various percussive sounds on keyboards in the classroom on which to perform the rhythm duet.

• You may invite students to come up with lyrics to which the rhythm duet may be performed. They may also come up with melodies for the rhythms, expanding the assignment into a vocal duet.

Topics in the assignment

Musical elements
Form; dramaturgy of music
Harmony; chords
Melody
Rhythm
Tonal colour; extended playing techniques
Musical structures and analysis
Analysis
Dynamics; articulation
Intervals
Octaves, registers
Scales, keys
Texture
Playing an instrument & singing
Ensemble playing
Extended playing techniques
Interpretation
Playing by ear
Sight-reading; solfège
Solo/Tutti
Using one's own voice; singing
Listening
Active listening
Reference works
Notation & music terminology
Graphic notation
Music terminology
Score
Traditional notation
Arranging & parts
Arranging
Instrumentation; orchestration
Parts
Music technology
Music technology; music technology
Improvisation & interaction
Cooperation
Following sound and movement
Improvisation; soundscape
Reaction; taking turns
Styles & techniques
Aleatorics
Concrete music
Counterpoint
Field technique
Imitation
Minimalism
Pointillism
Polyphony
Imagination & other arts
Dance; movement
Mood; imagination
Music theatre
Narrative composition
Photo; image
Text

Tools

Classroom instruments
Computer, tablet or smartphone
Keyboard
Music paper
Music technology
Notation software
Own instrument
Own voice
Percussion instruments
Photographs; images
Recordings or sheet music
Sequencer software
Stationery for taking notes
TV, computer screen or video projector

Further assignments

Assignment suitable for further study

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Info

The Opus 1 composition pedagogy databank is a gateway to the wide world of musical composition. It offers all teachers and institutions providing music education an inspiring perspective on introductory composition teaching, including a wide range of composition assignments particularly suited to teaching at music institutes, whether in large or small groups or as individual tuition.

This package was designed and delivered by a working group of specialists in composition and composition pedagogy. The project was supported financially by the Foundation for Finnish Art Music and the Society of Finnish Composers.
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Contact information

Please contact us if you want to know more or to submit your own assignments for inclusion: opus1@composers.fi

© The authors
Design: Farm / Antti Kangassalo
Code: Call to Action
Photos: Markku Klami
English translation: Jaakko Mäntyjärvi

Skill levels

  • Introductory level
  • Medium level
  • Advanced level
  • Specialised level

The basics

  • Listening
  • Imagination & other arts
  • Musical elements
  • Musical structures and analysis
  • Music technology
  • Notation & music terminology
  • Playing an instrument & singing
  • Styles & techniques
  • Interaction & cooperation
  • Arrangements & parts
  • ALL ASSIGNMENTS