Do you want to teach rhythm composition, but don’t know where to start?
Today I’m sharing an engaging rhythmic composition activity that your music students will love.
For starters, head over to my exclusive freebie library to grab this low-prep printable!
Here’s how my students play:
Step 1: Grab any dice (the jumbo ones from the dollar store are extra fun) and have students roll again and again. Each time they roll, they write the corresponding rhythm in the next available box.
Step 2: Play the rhythm. Make it fun – say it, clap it, play it (on their favourite piano key, use pencils as drum sticks, etc.) …practice all different types of ways!
Step 3: Add words to the rhythm! Have your student make their own poem to match the rhythm. I give my students a theme (ex. fall theme) to keep them on track.
Step 4: For a bonus challenge, students could assign dynamics to each line of rhythm.
Step 5: Perform it! My students love sharing their compositions with their guardian at the end of their lesson.
The possibilities are really endless! I love taking an activity and building upon it to explore more musical concepts. You can also make this a group activity if you teach group lessons or elementary music.
Looking for more rhythm activities? Check-out this year long rhythm game bundle:
Ms Emily Music 