Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit focuses on adding vocal and instrumental layers to songs. Pupils rehearse contrasting songs in parts and become confident holding the pitch and pulse of a line before layering this into four and five part textures with added tuned percussion accompaniments.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to play a rhythmic ostinato accompaniment with a strong pulse whilst singing simultaneously.

Key Notes

• Adding a rhythmic ostinato under a song creates another layer of texture.
• Playing a rhythmic ostinato can help us keep in time to the steady pulse.
• A rhythmic ostinato can be inspired by rhythms from a song.
• A rhythmic ostinato can be layered under partner songs to create a thicker texture.
• Takadimi notation helps us read rhythms.

Vocabulary To Learn

• rhythm: the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing
• rhythmic ostinato: a repeating musical idea created from a rhythmic pattern
• texture: the combination of different layers of sounds
• notation: a way of visually representing and recording music

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Takadi and Ta-dimi are the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody Study Guide
• Part singing: rounds and partner songs Study Guide
• Rehearsing and evaluating an ensemble piece with a thick texture Study Guide
• Singing and playing simultaneously: three note melodies Study Guide
• Two-part singing: rounds and partner songs Study Guide