Rhythm Experiment


Source: Wikimedia

Type: Mini-lesson

Theme: Music

Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Learning Target: Students will use counting patterns to create a repeating 25-second percussion rhythm.

Instructions
  1. With a partner, sketch out on paper a mathematical rhythm for up to four percussion instruments.
  2. High school students will try to map out an interesting function, such as: exponential growth, sine, or logarithmic function.
  3. Rhythm will be in 4/4 time signature with 12 measures.
  4. Instruments include: tambourine, side stick, conga, various tom drums, cowbell, Chinese cymbal, snare.
  5. Use MuseScore to convert your mathematical patterns into a rhythm experiment.
  6. Submit:
    1. Sketch with any mathematical patterns (include sketch of any functions used)
    2. Exported music (filetype: mp3 only) 

Resources

Exit Ticket
CCSS Math Practice
  • I can model with mathematics.
  • I can look for and make use of structure.
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
  • Patterns

Samples

Jungle Vibe - Rhythm