Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore texture by adding untuned percussion layers to songs and chants. Using repeated rhythms, pupils will develop their sense of pulse and accuracy of rhythm. They will identify rhythmic ostinati in listening examples and begin to describe texture.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to play a rhythmic ostinato and chant at the same time.

Key Notes

• An ostinato is a short, repeating pattern in music. It can be rhythmic or melodic.
• An ostinato is memorable and can add interest to a piece of music.
• When we perform an ostinato with a chant, we create musical texture.
• Musical texture describes the different layers that are happening at the same time in a piece of music.
• Takadi is a rhythm where there are three sounds within one beat and the first two sounds are shorter than the third.

Vocabulary To Learn

• rhythm: the pattern of sounds that we play and sing
• ostinato: a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic
• texture: the combination of different layers of sounds
• beat: the playing or showing of the steady pulse, like the ticking of a clock
• stick notation: a way of writing music down

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• An ostinato is a simple way to add texture. It is not complex or exciting.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Adding simple instrumental parts to songs and chants Study Guide
• Chanting and singing in time Study Guide
• Playing and singing simultaneously Study Guide
• Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a chant Study Guide
• Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a song Study Guide