Texture
Student learning materials and activities
Texture is when all the sounds and rhythms of different instruments are combined into one piece of music.
Let's put it all together!
In every example of cultural music we explored there was more than one instrument or type of rhythm being played.
Each instrument has its own part to play, and when played together they add another layer to the piece of music.
The important thing to remember when adding texture in the form of different rhythms and instruments is that they each need to keep the same beat and tempo. Tempo is the speed at which music is being played.
A metronome or a conductor can help an ensemble keep in time.
What is Texture?
(O'Brien & Miles, 1998)
A website called 'Beatlab' (Beatlab, n.d.) allows you to create your own ostinato rhythm and layer different instruments at the click of a button.
Lets Experiment with Texture
The grid allows you to make a one bar ostinato in four-four time.
Each line is the sound of a different instrument.
Once you fill in your beats, your one bar ostinato will play over and over again.
Each dark grey square indicates a crotchet (ta) note.
If you click on a square, the square will turn orange and a beat using that instrument will sound.
If you click on every dark grey square in a line your one bar ostinato rhythm would be four crotchet (ta) notes
Every second square creates quaver (ti-ti) rhythm
Every square creates semi-quaver (tika-tika) rhythm
Your Turn!
Experiment with different rhythms and instruments.
Something to think about:
Combining rhythms and instruments isn't just about throwing together as many layers as you can.
Use each instrument's rhythm to contribute to an overall 'bigger picture'. Some instrument's sound may overpower other instruments, so these instruments may just be needed for one beat per bar.
Play your music to your friends and teacher and get some feedback.
Have fun experimenting!!
What Next?
Now write out each instruments' rhythm in music notation
Then:
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give it to a friend to see if they can recreate your music
OR
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get some friends together, grab some real instruments and play your music LIVE!!
What your rhythm grid could look like!!
Your own digital ensemble!
Bongo
Snare
High Hat
Bass