1.3 Beat Map Reading
REWIRE THEORY
1.3 Beat Map READING
OBJECTIVES
Accurately write, read, and perform the attack, sustain, release, and rest states of a rhythm by reading beat map notation.
Record rhythms in a DAW
Transcribe the attacks of a rhythm from a recording.
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PREPARATION
Learning Event Beat Maps: Watch the beat map animation at the bottom of the page. Discuss the four states of rhythm.
Activity Beat Map Reading: Read some beat maps together while projecting samples on the board. The performance of these rhythms can be done with a metronome or along with student selected music.
Note on counting off. Create a standard count off for the class that puts them in control of the preparatory beats. Here is a sample: The instructor snaps or claps on the first two beats of the prep measure and the class responds by counting the final beats of the count off measure using the bass subdivision of the example. Ie *snap* *snap* 3 + 4 + |
Note on practice metacognition. Find an example that has syncopation and talk through the different steps of practice for analytical rhythm reading:
Identify the problem spots of a rhythm by site
Count and clap the rhythm out of time
Count and clap the rhythm with a steady beat being played by a metronome or along to music.
Practice the rhythm until you can feel the groove against the foot.
Activity Beat Map Composition and partner share: Give students blank beat maps and have them create their own rhythms. Prompt students to exchange rhythms and perform them for each other.
Ear Training Beat Map Transcription: Listen to a student selected work and find a rhythm that can be easily transcribed by the class. Follow the steps for transcription in the how to transcribe any rhythm video
Find the beat
Identify the base subdivision
Say the rhythm while tapping the foot
Clap the rhythm while tapping the foot
Slow the rhythm down to find the attacks, sustains, releases, and rests
Project 808 Bass Composition: Have students watch the bass composition prompt and complete the project on Soundtrap for homework. Listen to a few sample projects at the beginning of class the next day. This project can also be completed during class.
Assessment
Informal assessment can be given on any of the beat map reading activities.
Use the Beat Map Composition rubric to aide with grading the 808 Project.
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Notes: When students read standard notation, they often pay attention to the beginnings of the notes, but ignore the middle and ends. Introducing rhythm reading using beat maps allows students to see the duration of notes easily. Don’t be afraid to be critical or individual, small group, or class performances of these rhythms; especially for releases in the rhythm. The expectation that you set for the accuracy of rhythm reading will become part of the student’s inner dialogue when practicing and evaluating themselves.