Faryn Kates

Technology for Music Educators

Project 3

Objectives:

• The students will be able to compose simple melodies using difficult rhythms.
• The students will understand how to count difficult rhythms correctly.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this lesson is to help the students to be able to count rhythms correctly, as stated in the instrumental music curriculum.
• The purpose of this lesson is to integrate technology into the music classroom, as stated in my Personal Improvement Plan (PIP).

Materials:

• Computer Lab
• Rhythm sheets
• Sibelius software
• Pencils
• Staff paper

Anticipatory Set:

• Individually clap and count a series of rhythms on a hand out.

Procedure:

• Clap and count a series of rhythms on the rhythm sheet.
• Give the students blank staff paper that has the time signature filled in and has 8 measures with varying rhythmic values.
• Ask the students to create their own composition using the 8 random measures.
• Have the students present their compositions to the class.
• Using the computers and Sibelius (the students will already be familiar with the software from previous lessons), have the students create their own 16 measure composition that uses only whole notes/rests, half notes/rests, quarter notes/rests, and eighth notes/rests. The students must include the time signature in their composition.
• Have the students clap and count their compositions.
• Using the software again, create a 24 measure composition. This composition must include sixteenth notes/rests, dotted quarter notes, and eighth note-sixteenth note patterns.

Check for Student Understanding:

• The students will be evaluated through the ability to count (and later play) rhythms correctly.
• The students will be evaluated through their creativity when using music technology.

Closure:

• Have the students teach the class how to clap and count their 24 measure composition.

Extensions:

• Using the final compositions, create a booklet of rhythm sheets for at home practice as well as class openings.
• Using advanced software (more advanced levels of some of the software) the students will practice counting and playing rhythms correctly.