BEAT & RHYTHM

One of the things we have begun our Spec unit with, is looking at Beat and Rhythm.

BEAT = a steady pulse. The most common way to group beats, is either in groups of 4 or groups of 3 eg. 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4 or 1 2 3, 1 2 3. Most pop music you will listen to, you will hear a steady beat grouped in 4's (have a listen and see if you can hear the beat in some of your favourites).

RHYTHM = the pattern created by short and long sounds.

Eg. Ha-ppy Birth - day To You

--- * --- --- --- -------

L S L L L L__ (L= long sound, S = short sound)

Almost every piece of music is created from a different rhythm pattern, and just from hearing it clapped out - you may be able to work it out!

Here are a couple of really cool You-Tube clips that explore BEAT & RHYTHM! The players are very clever at using BODY PERCUSSION to create them. Have a look: