Framework for Lesson Plans

Procedures for Practicing Rhythmic Elements
Rhythm syllables
Sing a melody with rhythm syllables while tapping the beat.
Conducting
Sing with rhythm syllables while conducting.
Echo singing
Echo sing rhythm syllables to a rhythm pattern clapped by the
instructor.
Aural Dictation
Identify the meter and rhythm patterns clapped or sung by the
instructor
Writing
Change a rhythm pattern from a given pattern into a new rhythm
pattern. One person writes a sixteen-­‐beat pattern, then claps a
slightly different pattern. The other person must identify where
the changes occur.
Improvise rhythm
patterns
Select a meter and length for the pattern then determine the
rhythmic form (for example, ABA or ABAB) to use.
Writing
Students memorize a phrase of a melody and write it from
memory.
Perform a rhythmic
canon
a. Say rhythm syllables while clapping the rhythm.
b. Think the rhythm syllables and clap the rhythm.
c. Clap the rhythm in canon with someone else.
d. Perform the rhythmic canon by yourself. Clap one part with
one hand and the other part with the other.
Procedures for Practicing Melodic Elements
Conducting
Sing song or solfège syllables and conduct.
Hand signs
Sing solfège syllables and show hand signs.
Rhythm and hand signs Sing solfège syllables while showing hand signs.
Sight singing from hand
signs
Sing solfège syllables or show hand signs for a pattern; ask
another student to sing it back.
Memory
Memorize an exercise and notate it without referring to the
book. First analyze the form by looking for repetition and

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similar patterns. This helps simplify the task.
Error Detection
Select a phrase of music. One person plays the selection,
deliberately making a melodic mistake. Another person follows
the score and locates the error.