Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Body beats
Use Chrome Music Lab Rhythm to explore rhythm using body percussion
Student music resource developed by The Arts Unit
Year 3 to Year 6 music
4 beat rhythm patterns
Click the right arrow in Chrome Music Lab Rhythm to go to the 4 beat animated monster characters.
All activities on this page will be using this 4 beat section of Chrome Music Lab.
We will complete activities line by line and then try putting it all together!
You might like to try practising each of the rhythm patterns first before trying with the computer.
Clapping patterns
Copy the pattern into the Chrome Music Lab Rhythm grid by clicking on the dots on the top line to create the yellow diamonds which are played by the hi-hat cymbal.
Once you have copied the pattern push play and copy the pattern by clapping your hands in time to the rhythm.
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Now it is your turn.
Create your own clapping pattern by clicking on dots on the top line only.
Share your pattern with your classmates and see if they can follow it.
Slapping knees
Copy the pattern into the grid by clicking on the dots on the middle line to create the blue circles which are played by the snare drum.
Once you have copied the pattern push play and copy the pattern by slapping your knees in time to the rhythm.
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Now it is your turn.
Create your own knee slapping pattern by clicking on dots on the middle line only.
Share your pattern with your classmates and see if they can follow it.
Stomping feet
Copy the pattern into the Chrome Music Lab Rhythm grid by clicking on the dots on the bottom line to create the red circles which are played by the base drum.
Once you have copied the pattern push play and copy the pattern by stomping your feet in time to the rhythm.
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Now it is your turn.
Create your own clapping pattern by clicking on dots on the bottom line only.
Share your pattern with your classmates and see if they can follow it.
Putting it all together!
Lets put clapping hands and slapping knees together.
Copy these patterns
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Here is a tricky one! Watch out the rhythm is much faster!
Pattern 3
Now it is your turn.
Create your pattern combining both clapping hands and slapping knees. How tricky can you be?
Share your pattern with your classmates and see if they can follow it.
Lets put all 3 together. Remember our symbols:
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
Here is a tricky one! Watch out the rhythm is much faster!
Now it is your turn.
Create your pattern combining both clapping hands and slapping knees. How tricky can you be?
Share your pattern with your classmates and see if they can follow it.
Extension activities
You could try:
Use alternate body percussion for example click fingers, pat cheeks, tap chest.
Divide the class into 3 groups and have each one play a different part. Have the class perform all 3 parts simultaneously.
Perform the rhythms using untuned percussion instruments instead of body percussion.
Challenge
Watch the video 'InRhythm Body Percussion Demo' and join in with the students as they are challenged to learn some 4 beat body percussion rhythms.
InRhythm Body Percussion Demo
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