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'Notation and Composition'

  1. Crotchet and Quavers...

  2. Writing your own crotchet and quavers music...

  3. Introducing the Minim...

  4. Longer examples to clap...

  5. Minim Rests...

  6. Introducing chords...

  7. Test pieces...

  8. Semibreves

  9. Semi Quavers

  10. Music Maths and Fractions!

  11. Rhythm Games Online

Rhythm Notation

crotchet... quavers...
Name: Crotchet Name: Quaver
Say: "Walk" Say: "Run-ning"
Number of beats: 1 Number of beats: 1/2 + 1/2
Play: Down Play: Down-Up

 
  • Clap a series of Crotchet notes and Say: "Walk" as you do it...

  • Clap a series of Quaver notes and Say: "Run-ning" as you do it...

 


Next, try to clap these patterns or 'Rhythms'...

Example 1.Rhythm example 1

Example 2.Rhythm Ex 2

Example 3.Rhythm Ex 3...

Example 4.Rhythm Ex 4




Are you getting any good at these 'crotchet' and 'quaver' rhythms? Why not try your luck at
'The Rhythm Sound Match Quiz!?'

Click here to give it a go - it's not easy!


You did okay?! Well give 'Stage 2' a go! 'The Rhythm Sound Match Quiz 2!?'

Click here to have a go at Stage 2 It's a challenge!


If you want to try adding some words to these rhythms then try this Fruit Rhythm Poster for some extra help!

There is a Fruit Ostinato worksheet available to help you compose your own Fruit Rhythms and Ostinato. Please Click Here...






Next, try writing your own rhythms on your specially folded paper..

 

....BUUUUUTT...there are a few 'rules!'

You may choose a Crotchet or Quavers for a box, BUUUUUUUUTTTT DO NOT TRY AND PUT TWO TOGETHER IN ONE BOX!!

Notation example 1...

If you want to use a minim it can be placed in any box BUT NOT THE LAST ONE on the line. Also DON'T  colour minims in..or write another note in the box with the line in!!

When you have written your own Rhythm example, try clapping it and saying the helpful words to get the rhythm right.

Notation Example 2a...


Now lets add another note...

crotchet... quavers...
Name: Crotchet Name: Quaver Name: Minim Name: Crotchet Rest
Say: "Walk" Say: "Run-ning" Say: "Sit Down" Say: "Shush"
Number of beats: 1 Number of beats: 1/2 + 1/2 Number of beats: 2 Number of beats: 1
Play: Down Play: Down-Up Play: Down & Play: Nothing!

 

  • Clap a series of Minim notes and Say: "Sit Down" as you do it...

  • When you 'clap' (because you DON'T clap!!) a crotchet rest, throw your hands apart. It will help with the timing!


Try these longer examples, including minims!

 

Example 1.

 

Example 2.

 

Example 3.

 

Example 4.



 

How about tryiing these examples with crotchet rests in them? Remember to throw your hands apart when you get to the crotchet rests in the examples.

Example 1.

 

Example 2.

 

Example 3.

 

Example 4.


Writing Minims...more rules!

Minims take up two boxes on our 4 x 2 grid because they last for two beats. So you need to take a little care where you place them!

    And PLEASE DON'T colour them in!


Minim Rests

  • Minim's also have their own rests.

  • They last for 2 beats just like the note

  • They look like a black rectangle sitting on a line.

  • Remember they have to take up 2 boxes/ beats!

          
Name: Minim Name: Minim Rest
Say: "Sit Down" Say: "Rest Long"
Number of beats: 2 Number of beats: 2
Play: Down & Play: Nothing!

Now try these examples;

Ex.1

Ex.2

Ex.3

Ex.4

 


For ukulele players we can add chord/s to your rhythm pattern to make strumming patterns

Notation Example 2...

Play it using your thumb for the 'DOWN' strokes, or Crotchets - and your thumb and index (pointy) finger to play the 'DOWN-UP' strokes.

Try to 'pull' through the strings on the way up, with your finger. Don't go sideways with your finger!


Now to extend your compositions...

  • First, fold your paper to make a 4x2 grid

  • Next, write out two rows of rhythms, label them 'A' and 'B'

  • Finally, choose two chords and write your choice down.

You should have something that looks like this...

  • Try playing through both lines - don't leave a gap on the chord change!


Arrangement...

  • Instead of playing the top row followed by the bottom row, try playing your rows in a pattern.

  • For instance, play the row 'A' 2 times, then the row 'B' once, finish off with the row 'A' again. We can write this pattern down as 'A A B A'.

  • Now choose 4 letters to make your own pattern

  • What does 'AAAB' sound like? How about 'ABBA?' Does it sound better on your friends composition? Why?

  • Write the letters of your 'Arrangement' on your composition.

Choose an arrangement of your composition and see if you and a friend can both play it at the same time?


Testing Times!

  • Take a look at the examples below...can you play these?

Test Piece 1

 

Test Piece 2

 

Test Piece 3

 

Test Piece 4

 


 

Introducing Semi Breves...

  • Semi Breves are the longest note.

  • They last for 4 beats

  • They are an empty rugby ball with no stick

  • Semibreve rests are 'strong enough to hang from a line of music!' They also last 4 beats



Name: Semibreve Name: Semibreve Rest
Say: "Sleep-ing Soun-dly" Say: "Rest for a-ges"
Number of beats: 4 Number of beats: 4



Try and clap these examples of semibreves.

Example 1.

Example 2.

Example 3.

Example 4.

Rhythm Composition Grid Templates:
4x2 here...      4x4 here...



Introducing Semi Quavers...

  • Semi quavers are the fastest notes!
  • They last for a quarter of a beat each...so...4 of them take up one box or one beat!



Name: Semi Quavers
Say: "Sprin-ting too fast"
Number of beats: 1/4 +1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4

Try clapping these examples! Remember semiquavers are FAST!

Example 1


Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Rhythm Composition Grid Templates:
4x2 here...      4x4 here...


 


 

Music Maths and Fractions!

All music notes form a fitting pyramid of fractions, a little like the pizza when you're first learning fractions in maths.

Take a look at the picture below to see how it works...


 

Rhythm Games Online

     1) Rhythm Sound Match Quiz - can you choose the correct rhythm after listening to it?

     2) Rhythm Yes/ No - The rhythm plays, but is it the same as the pattern printed? Yes or No?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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