Introduction and Rhythm Exploration

In part 1, we begin to explore rhythm and start coding in TunePad. First, learners will explore TunePad. Next, we’ll share music choices and identify elements in the music we find interesting. In part 2 we begin to dissect the Beat and Code it.

In order to bridge the connection between beats and code, participants begin to learn the basics of reading music in western standard notation. Basic note values are shown and are performed by the group. The beats and the code associated with the note values are practiced and discussed. They then go through the process of coding beats and end this module with their first rhythmic composition.

Part 1

A. 25 minutes - Warm-up

• 5 minutes - Sign into TunePad

• 15 minutes - Explore in pairs

  • • Spend some time just poking around with the Learning Resources in TunePad.

    • Open the TunePad DropBook and make a simple beat

  • 5 minutes - Group discussion about discoveries.

  • Add questions to the PARKING LOT---check-in at the end if they are answered

B. 35 minute - Music Exploration

• Partner activity, find a beat & describe rhythmic qualities

• Open up the Music Exploration DropBook and share it with their partner.

1. 15 minutes - individually identify a song that you like or find interesting.

   1. Add your song to the playlist here

   2. Go through the DropBook & substitute your song and comments for the examples.

2. 10 minutes - in pairs, share each other’s songs and decide on one to highlight. Talk about why it is interesting. Find a way to point out what is interesting to the larger group...could be snapping, clapping, singing, etc.

3. 10 minutes - large group, share, and discuss music & drawings.

Suggested Discussion questions

1. Why did you choose this particular song?

2. Do you remember the first time you heard this song?

3. How does the song make you feel?

4. What makes the song interesting to you?

5. Try to identify one of the drum parts that you hear.

6. If you could draw out the main beat, what would it look like?

Part 2

• 15 minutes - Ice breaker

• 10 minutes - Updates

  • Provide with links to Homeworks and Wiki

  • What is DropBook?

  • Why remix?

• 10 minutes - Practice, analyze Code for We Will Rock You Beat

  • Open up Rhythm Exploration Drop Book

    • REMIX Everyone!!!---this is important and needs to be done for every DropBook that we work with.

  • Stay in pairs and experiment with the numbers that are associated with the code

  • Answer the questions in Part 1

  • Share & Have a group discussion

• 5 minutes - As a group explain Rhythm Basics

  • Group B slide deck

  • Group E slide deck

  • Group A slide deck

  • Group T slide deck

• 20 minutes - Continue working through Rhythm Exploration individually or in small groups

• 10 minutes - Allow students to share with main group