Rhythm and Tempo

Fourth graders analyze, brainstorm and practice playing a melody/pattern with rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and instrumental pieces of many styles. In addition, they create an original piece of music.

Students study even and uneven rhythms in music. They demonstrate slow and fast movements using various body parts and echo clap with their hands. Listening to uneven rhythms of the drum, they skip, jump and hop and simulate toys in a...

When we play music, we count beats both high and low. This introductory music activity explores tempo and rhythm. Learners will follow along as they clap to the beat, they clap high in the air and low. A very good introductory lesson.

Allegro, largo, vivo, and andante, it's tempo time! As the metronome ticks off a variety of tempos, budding musicians work to identify them. They then create and perform a musical, singing, or movement piece which demonstrates each type...

Students explore tempo.  In this rhythm beginnings lesson, students differentiate between steady and unsteady beats.  Students clap a variety of tempo and then move to the tempo of a song. 

Students learn tempo, beat, and rhythm through reciting Engine, Engine, Number 9 and listening to the song "Freight Train". They analyze beat patterns and rhythm and copy it through clapping and walking.

After introducing basic dance and music terminology, learners explore Balinese culture. They listen to Balinese music, view images or video of Balinese dancing, then choreograph a Balinese-style dance of their own. They rehearse and...

Students explore the facets of rhythm. For this rhythm lesson, students examine beat, steady beat, and tempo as they follow the model of their instructor.

Students recognize AB and ABA form in music and distinguish between these two forms. They explore meaning of tempo and how to perform accents in written music.

Turn the class into a percussive orchestra and let the kids take over as conductor. You'll explain a few ins and outs of what a conductor does. Then you hand over the baton and let your budding Beethovens conduct each other as they play...