Composing with Word Rhythms ®

Composing with Word Rhythms ®

Improvising or composing is much easier for the beginner if they first devise a rhythmic pattern for their phrases. Word rhythms help them to feel measures in two/quarter time to use as a basis for their melodies. The instructions below include links to sample worksheets with the topic of Native Americans.

The Smithsonian Institute is opening its new National Museum of the American Indian in September 2004. September 24 is Native American Day. Join the celebration by composing your own Native American melodies! For more information, go to:

National Museum of the American Indian

Composing with Word Rhythms^® on flash cards.

To the teacher:

v     Choose a topic with your student (This page features Native Americans, but the idea can be adapted to any topic of interest!).

Ø      Prepare a list of phrases or names associated with your topic. (Each phrase should be two beats long for a piece in two quarter time.)



Ø      Click on the link below for sample Word Rhythms on the Native American theme. ( Before printing, be sure to go into Page Setup and change page size to Landscape.)

Native American Word Rhythms®

To the student:

v Preparing your Native American Word Rhythm Flash Cards^®:

Ø Clap the words several times to feel the rhythm.

Ø Write the rhythm below the words. Click on the link below for a sample. (Before printing, be sure to go into Page Setup and change page size to Landscape.)

Ø Cut flash cards into measures.

Native American Flash Cards (when page opens, maximize if needed to properly display icons)

v Now you are ready to compose with your Word Rhythm Flash Cards^®.

Ø Sort the cards into piles of phrases with matching rhythms.

Ø Arrange the Word Rhythm Flash Cards^® in any order you choose.

§ Compose 4 measures in two quarter time.

§ Be sure to end your phrase with a long note.

Ø Clap the rhythm of your phrase and decide if you want to make any changes.

Ø Notate your rhythm on a Meter Worksheet^®. (See link below)

§ Start by writing the time signature.

§ Copy your word rhythms onto the worksheet.

§ End with a repeat sign or double bar line.

Ø Listen to your piece by clapping it or playing it on a rhythm instrument or using a repeated note on your piano.

Ø Click the link below for a sample worksheet. (Before printing, be sure to go into Page Setup and change page size to Landscape.)

Native American Meter Worksheet® (when page opens, maximize if needed for correct placement of icons)

v Use your rhythm composition to improvise a melody.

Ø Choose a hand position

§ Play any notes you like.

§ Try using repeated notes on ti-ti’s (eight notes).

§ Listen for a good ending note.

§ Did you like how it sounded?

Ø Challenges:

§ Can you remember your melody and repeat it?

§ Can you start with a question phrase and end with an answer phrase?

§ Can you notate your melody on staff paper? Click on the Meter Worksheet with Staff^® below. (Before printing, be sure to go into Page Setup and change page size to Landscape.)

Meter Worksheet with Staff® (when page opens, maximize if needed for correct placement of icons)

Campman Piano Studio