Piano Rhythm Basics

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Objective

I can play a simple melody on the piano with a steady rhythm.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Saher Galt · 9:21

We don't generate video — this one is by Saher Galt on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The underlying pulse of music that makes you tap your foot is called the beat.

  2. 2

    A quarter note is like the main unit we use to create other rhythms.

  3. 3

    We can divide a beat into two equal parts called eighth notes or four equal parts called sixteenth notes.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

8 questions

1

According to the video, which of the following BEST describes the 'beat' in music?

2

In the video, the syllable '____' is used to represent the quarter note beat because it helps to memorize the abstracted feeling of each rhythmic figure as a drum hit.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Clap and vocalize the following rhythm pattern using 'Ta' for quarter notes, 'ti-ti' for eighth notes, and 'ta-ta-ti' for dotted eighth note sixteenth note combinations: ta ti-ti ta ta-ta-ti.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

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