Supplies Needed:

1. Computer with speakers

2. Metronome

3. Copies of the first set of rhythm sheets (click this link to download)

4. Copies of the second set of rhythm sheets (click this link to download) – they may get confused with the multiple handouts, so you may wish to consolidate the notes from the Lesson 7 handout and make them more compact so the audience members do not have to flip back and forth when looking up the different types of notes.

 

Songs with Distinctive Rhythms

Introduce them to the idea of studying the rhythms of songs by clapping a song with a distinctive rhythm and asking them to name the song.  You probably want to choose a Broadway song from the 1950s or another song they will recognize.  I chose “America” from West Side Story (click the link and start at 3:05).  Clap a couple of measures, and ask them if they can identify it.  Then play the song and ask them to clap along to the chorus by ear.

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If you would like for them to clap to another song by ear, Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” is a good option.  Because many of them know this song, they will be engaged and sing along, which might be a good warm-up for the rest of the lesson.

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Recap of Last Week’s Lesson

Before you look at the rhythm sheets for the different songs, you may wish to go back and recap the different types of notes.  A five-minute refresh on the difference between quarter notes, half notes, eighth notes, etc. can help them understand how to read the famous song rhythms.  You do not need to go as in-depth as last lesson, but just a quick summary may be helpful.

 

Playing Actual Songs and Clapping the Rhythm

You may wish to play the recordings for the songs first and then ask them to read the sheet music, or you may ask them to clap the rhythm based on the sheet music while humming the tune and then play the recording – either way works.  Click on the song titles for the links to the songs on the second rhythm sheet:

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Fiddler on the Roof (If I Were a Rich Man -- Start 0:35

Singin’ in the Rain (Singin’ in the Rain)

The King and I (Shall We Dance)

Hello Dolly (Hello Dolly)