Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit introduces pupils to the DAW as a composition tool and the fundamental features of a simple rock beat. They learn about the importance of a balance of repetition and contrast in music and how they might create this. They are introduced to the basic functions of DAW recording.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to create a typical rock drum groove by adding hi-hat quavers.

Key Notes

• The hi-hat is the third main part of a drum kit. It is higher and quieter than the kick and snare drum.
• The hi-hat can make an open or closed sound depending on whether its two cymbals are touching or not.
• A metronome helps keep time when recording in a DAW.
• After recording, the music can be pushed perfectly in time by using the quantise function.

Vocabulary To Learn

• hi-hat: part of a drum kit made of two cymbals
• cymbal: a concave metal disc that makes a bright sound when struck
• metronome: a device that clicks/ticks a beat to keep a player in time
• quaver: a note lasting half a beat; quavers often come in pairs
• quantise: the quantise function in a DAW pushes the notes perfectly in time

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils think the metronome matches the rhythms they play, since they previously played crotchets.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Creating variation to a fundamental drum groove Study Guide
• Synthesized drum sounds Study Guide
• The role of the kick and snare in drum grooves Study Guide