CSR Music Outreach Program 2014 Part 3

After learning some basic music rudiments and theory, application is always necessary. Application is the best way to know if the students understood what they have learned. It is also a way to revise and put music theory into practice.

The constant and frequent application of music theory will prepare them for learning instruments and reading music. In keeping with the prepared program, the students are to be capable of creating a 2 or 4 bar rhythmic phrase. The music program involves a little instrument learning when introducing musical tones/pitches. Only theory, group singing and percussion are the focus.

Eventually, the students are to be able to create an 8 bar rhythmic piece by the end of their first school term.

At this recent session, the lesson plan was to engage all the students in music theory drill activity.

Here are the steps taken:

1. Select a student to begin creating a 2 or 4 bar rhythmic pattern on the board.
2. Let the student decide on the time signature.
3. Get the entire class involved by asking them to check if the created rhythm is theoretically correct. If a student spots any mistake, ask that student to point out the mistake. Or, come to the board to make the correction.

 

 4. Ask this student to pick another schoolmate to come to the board to fill in the counts and clap the rhythm.

 

 

5. Next I began counting a constant tempo of 2 bars based on the time signature for the student to begin clapping the rhythm. Meantime, the entire class is obviously paying attention to the activity.

6. When completed, the entire class can be asked if they felt it was correctly done. Let any student point out any mistake. Or, discuss with the class how it was. Questions posed can be like these: Was the tempo constant? Did it flow well from start to end?

7. Next, involve the entire class in clapping the same rhythm.

8. Ask the student to select another schoolmate to begin creating another 2 or 4 bar rhythm pattern. Then, the entire process begins again.

9. Hopefully, as many as possible of the students get to take part in this theory drill activity. Young students like to be up on their feet actively. So, indulge them with learning as well.

Below is a photo of a student creating and filling in the counts of a 4 bar rhythm.

Here is a clip of students clapping the 4 bar rhythm pattern shown in the photo above.