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Year 3 - Music

Rhythm grids and the subdivision of the beat

Compose and Create: notating and performing using rhythm grids

Unit Summary

This unit explores composing rhythmic patterns through the use of rhythm grids. Pupils are inspired by exciting percussive performances and work in groups to create and perform their own challenging rhythmic patterns.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to decode and compose rhythm grid notation that shows the subdivision of the beat.

Key Notes

  • Notes can have shorter or longer durations. When we combine these we create rhythms.
  • We can subdivide the beat on a rhythm grid to help us decode, play and notate rhythms successfully.
  • Chanting Takadimi can help us work out how to read and play rhythms.
  • When we layer different rhythm patterns, we create a thicker texture.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • rhythm grid: a visual grid system to represent and perform rhythmic patterns
  • duration: the length of a sound or silence
  • syllable: a part of a word pronounced as one unit of sound, for example 'syll' in 'syllable'
  • ostinato: a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic
  • rhythm: the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Notes of short duration means the music is a really fast tempo.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Notes can have shorter or longer durations. When we combine these we create rhythms. We can subdivide the beat on a rhythm grid to help us decode, play and notate rhythms successfully.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'rhythm grid'

a visual grid system to represent and perform rhythmic patterns.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Notes of short duration means the music is a really fast tempo. Correction: The pulse and beat sets the tempo. It doesn't matter how many sounds fit into the beat.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 Music guide library.