Programme 4: Classical

Practical Activity

Addition and Subtraction

Simply using body percussion or a tuned instrument, ask students to compose a short rhythm or melodic phrase. They then gradually change it by subjecting it to a process of addition and subtraction. For example add an extra beat to a rhythm each time it is repeated and vice versa:

1 2&3 1 2&3 4 1 2&3 4 5 1 2&3 4 5 6 1 2&3 4 5

Melodic Moods

Using the voice or a tuned instrument ask the students to take any melody and play it in ways to create different moods or characters. For example fragment it, slow it down, speed it up, change the rhythms, repeat notes patterns within a phrase. Discuss the results.