Musical Development Rhythm
Early Experiences Heartbeat & sound Heartbeat & sound Natural tendency to sway, rock, & bounce Natural tendency to sway, rock, & bounce Preschool “babbling” is often metered Preschool “babbling” is often metered
Rhythmic Abilities Kindergarten Can keep a steady beat Can keep a steady beat Begins to pat & clap rhythmically Begins to pat & clap rhythmically Can replicate short rhythmic patterns Can replicate short rhythmic patterns 1 st & 2 nd grade Can distinguish long & short Can distinguish long & short Can distinguish faster & slower Can distinguish faster & slower Can read & write quarter, quarter rests, eighth, & half notes Can read & write quarter, quarter rests, eighth, & half notes
Rhythmic Abilities Grades 3 & 4 Are literate with dotted quarter – eighth note rhythm & syncopations Are literate with dotted quarter – eighth note rhythm & syncopations Can distinguish between common meters Can distinguish between common meters Are literate with sixteenth notes, and variations of Are literate with sixteenth notes, and variations of Grades 5 & 6 Are literate with dotted eighth- sixteenth patterns Are literate with dotted eighth- sixteenth patterns Can distinguish asymmetric meters Can distinguish asymmetric meters
Using Language to Learn Marrying language and music is natural “gateway” for children to learn Marrying language and music is natural “gateway” for children to learn Words become musical when: Words become musical when: They are spoken with a steady pulse They are spoken with a steady pulse Spoken words are transformed into longer & shorter sounds Spoken words are transformed into longer & shorter sounds Emphasis is put on certain words Emphasis is put on certain words
Common rhythmic mnemonics
“Ta-ka-di-mi” system
References Campbell, P.S. & Scott-Kassner, C. (2006). Music in Childhood, 3 rd edition. Boston, MA: Shirmer, Cengage Learning. Campbell, P.S. & Scott-Kassner, C. (2006). Music in Childhood, 3 rd edition. Boston, MA: Shirmer, Cengage Learning. Ester, D., Scheib, J., & Inks, K. (2006). Takadimi: A rhythm system for all ages. Music Educators Journal, 93(2): Ester, D., Scheib, J., & Inks, K. (2006). Takadimi: A rhythm system for all ages. Music Educators Journal, 93(2):