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Small assignment: Short rhythmic motif or phrase with given note values
This assignment is about teaching students the note values covered in a specific unit, after which they are asked to invent a short rhythmic motif or phrase using the note values learned.
Assignment author
Tapio Lappalainen
Basics
Minimum time required
Goal and output
Pedagogical goal
Students experiment with grouping note values into rhythmic motifs or phrases as they wish, exercising their creativity.
Concrete output
Brief rhythmic motif or phrase
Work progress
• Have students learn the note values covered in the unit.
• Ask students to add up note values (by ear) to form a brief rhythmic motif or phrase, using percussion, keyboards, own instruments, tablets or computers.
• Write the rhythms down on music paper.
• Identify the note values used and write them down.
• You may apply solfège to the notated rhythmic motif or phrase if you wish.
Topics in the assignment
Musical structures and analysis
Playing an instrument & singing
Notation & music terminology
Arranging & parts
Music technology
Styles & techniques
Imagination & other arts
Tools
Detailed description of tools
Percussion, own instrument, tablets or computers, allowing the pupil to complete the assignment by ear.
Remarks
This is an example of how to use phenomenon-based learning in teaching structural awareness of music. The point with assignments like this is that immediately once a theory item has been taught, the creative aspect is introduced and students are guided to create their own application of what they have just learned.
Further assignments
Assignment suitable for further study
