INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC:
RHYTHM

RHYTHM LESSON

Directions:

Print the Rhythm reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions.  Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt

Rhythm is a steady beat divided into measures.  A measure is a section of a rhythm pattern in music.  Measures usually contain four beats, although this is not always the case.  The pace of the rhythm is determined by the tempo.  Tempo is how fast or slow the rhythm is moving.  Rhythm is a fundamental force of life.  All things have rhythm.

Examples of rhythm that you come across every day are a clock and your heartbeat.  Think of how the second hand of a clock makes a noise every time one second passes.  The noise that the clock makes every second has a rhythm.  The tempo is the speed of that noise.  Now take a minute to feel your heartbeat.  Your heartbeat will not always have the same rhythm or tempo.  The rhythm and tempo of your heartbeat can change depending upon your level of activity or other factors. 

Continued...