Rhythm

22 Grade 6 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Rhythm, with worked marking schemes. 22 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   In a 4/4 time signature, how many crotchet beats are there in one bar?

   A. 3

   B. 4

   C. 2

   D. 8

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A learner taps a pattern of long and short sounds to the words of a song. This pattern of sounds and silences over time is called

   A. Tempo

   B. Rhythm

   C. Pitch

   D. Dynamics

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A minim is held for how many crotchet beats?

   A. 4

   B. 2

   C. 1

   D. Half

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   The class divides a crotchet beat into two equal shorter sounds by singing 'ta-te'. Which note value did they use for each shorter sound?

   A. Minim

   B. Quaver

   C. Crotchet

   D. Semibreve

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Using simple 'ta' and 'ta-te' syllables, explain the difference between a crotchet and a quaver in terms of the number of sounds made in one beat.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Crotchet = one sound ('ta') that lasts one whole beat (1 mark for name, 1 mark for one sound per beat). Quaver = a shorter note; two quavers ('ta-te') fit into one beat, so each quaver lasts half a beat (1 mark for name, 1 mark for two sounds per beat / half a beat each). Award up to 4 marks.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Kamau uses his body to make rhythm by clapping, stamping and clicking fingers. This way of making sound is called

   A. Body percussion

   B. Sight reading

   C. Melody making

   D. Conducting

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   The teacher signs '2/4' at the start of a song. The lower number '4' tells the performers that the beat is counted in

   A. Quavers

   B. Minims

   C. Semibreves

   D. Crotchets

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   A learner claps two quavers followed by one crotchet ('ta-te ta'). Explain how many beats this pattern takes in total and why.

   (3 marks)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Learners stamp strongly on beat 1 and lightly on beats 2, 3 and 4. The strong beat that gets more emphasis is called the

   A. Off beat

   B. Accented beat

   C. Upbeat

   D. Rest

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    4 marks

    During a lesson, learners keep a steady beat while singing a familiar song.

    (a) Define a 'beat'.

    (b) Give two ways learners can keep a steady beat without using a musical instrument.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) A beat is the steady, regular pulse felt throughout a song (2 marks). (b) Any two of: clapping hands, stamping feet, tapping/patting thighs, clicking fingers, nodding the head, tapping a pencil (1 mark each, max 2).

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Njeri is asked to play notes that last for one beat each in a 4/4 song. Which note value should she use?

    A. Minim

    B. Crotchet

    C. Quaver

    D. Semibreve

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Which of these correctly orders the notes from longest to shortest duration?

    A. Crotchet, quaver, minim, semibreve

    B. Semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver

    C. Quaver, crotchet, minim, semibreve

    D. Minim, semibreve, quaver, crotchet

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    Distinguish between 'rhythm' and 'beat' as used in music, giving one example of each.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Beat = the steady, unchanging pulse that stays constant (1 mark) e.g. a regular tick like a clock/steady clap (1 mark). Rhythm = the pattern of long and short sounds that can change, often following the words of the song (1 mark) e.g. the sound pattern of clapping the syllables of a name (1 mark). Total 4 marks.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Two learners play the same steady beat but one adds extra long and short sounds on top. The extra layer of long and short sounds is best described as the

    A. Rhythm

    B. Pulse

    C. Tempo

    D. Clef

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A semibreve (whole note) lasts as long as how many crotchets?

    A. 8

    B. 2

    C. 1

    D. 4

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    3 marks

    A Grade 6 class is composing a rhythm in 4/4 time.

    (a) State what the top number '4' tells the performers.

    (b) Give one example of a rhythm pattern of four crotchets using the syllable 'ta'.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The top '4' shows there are four beats in every bar/measure (1 mark). (b) Any correct four-beat pattern e.g. 'ta ta ta ta' (2 marks: 1 for four sounds, 1 for correct even spacing).

17. Question 17

    1 mark

    In music notation, a short curved or straight mark that shows a moment of silence is called a

    A. Beam

    B. Slur

    C. Clef

    D. Rest

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    When a song is performed very fast, we say its ______ is quick.

    A. Pitch

    B. Tempo

    C. Dynamics

    D. Harmony

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    3 marks

    Explain why keeping a steady beat is important when a group of learners sing or dance together.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three of: it keeps all performers together/in time (1), prevents the group from rushing or dragging (1), makes the performance neat and coordinated (1), helps dancers match their movements to the music (1), makes it easier to start and stop together (1). Max 3 marks.

20. Question 20

    4 marks

    Explain what is meant by 'tempo' in music, and give two contrasting tempo words a Grade 6 learner could use to describe songs.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Tempo = the speed at which a song or piece of music is performed / how fast or slow it is (2 marks). Two contrasting words e.g. fast and slow, or quick and slow (1 mark each, max 2). Total 4 marks.

21. Question 21

    1 mark

    A rest sign in a song tells the performer to

    A. Change the pitch

    B. Keep silent for a set duration

    C. Sing faster

    D. Sing louder

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    1 mark

    During a music lesson, learners clap a steady beat while the teacher counts '1, 2, 3, 4' evenly. What element of music are they keeping?

    A. Melody

    B. Harmony

    C. Timbre

    D. Pulse

    (1 mark)

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