PRODUCTION THROUGH PERFORMANCE

Learn

1.1 STEADY BEAT

Keeping a steady beat means playing at the same speed throughout the entire song. It’s important to play in time as a musician because all the instruments need to be “in sync”. When all the musicians collectively feel the same pulse, they are able to groove together.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • With a metronome, listen to a steady beat at different tempos.

  • Learn the information below.

 

What is a Beat?

Terms
Beat: The pulse of the music; it’s what you tap your foot to.
Tempo: Speed of the beat, measured in BPM (beats per minute).
Metronome: A device that plays a steady beat.

 

Practice

COUNTING

  • Practice counting along with a Metronome →

  • Listen to Spotify’s Top 50 playlist.

  • Tap your foot and count the beat along with the clips.

KEY DRUMMING

  • Follow along with the key drumming video

  • Practice maintaining a steady beat

Drumless Tracks

Apply your ability to keep a steady beat with these drumless tracks. They are available with and without a metronome.

Chill

Marimba

funk

hip hop

 

Test

STEADY BEAT TEST

  • Practice keeping a steady beat along with the video.

  • Know the test’s guidelines! Review the rubric.

  • When you are ready, record yourself playing along with the video or perform the test in front of your teacher.

  • Reflect on how you did using the self assessment.

Review the Rubric →
Self Assessment →

 

Challenge

STEADY BEAT TEST CHALLENGE (optional)

    1. Add new track > Drum and beats track.

    2. Disable the looping function by double-clicking on the purple bar over the timeline.

    3. Use the “A” key on the typing keyboard or C1 on the MIDI keyboard to play along with the test.

    4. Press record and test your ability to keep a steady beat.

    5. Check your work by clicking on piano roll and zooming in on your notes.