1st Grade Rhythm Assessments

Beat vs. No Beat

 - Play keyboard examples of songs with an obvious steady beat (i.e. march) and long, sustained tones for examples with "no beat."

 - Or... play recordings while students circle "beat" or "no beat."

     - For songs with an obvious steady beat, try:

            - John Philip Sousa marches

            - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart--Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

            - Hoe-down from "Rodeo" (Copland)

            - Mozart-Turkish March

            - J.S.Bach Piano Concerto No.7 in G minor 

 - For songs with no obvious steady beat, choose something with long, sustained tones:

          - Gustav Mahler - Adagietto from Symphony no. 5
          - Holst - Mars from "The Planets Suite" - parts of it 
          - Barber's Adagio For Strings, Op. 11 - parts of it
          - Chant of the Templars - Salve Regina

Rhythmic Dictation - Idea: practice over several lessons with popsicle sticks.

Steady Beat Rubric - For this, I assess the students by watching them over time and making notes in my grade book/seating chart.

Circle the Notes & Rests Quiz

We practice this over time. Students put the sheets in their laps or on the risers next to them and clap while saying "ta's."

Rhythm Performance Assessment Rubric