Rhythm
The grouping of musical sounds by duration and stress. The description of rhythm as 'a pattern in sound' can be helpful. Show the children anything with a pattern (wallpaper, t-shirt or picture) and discuss what the pattern is and how it is repeated; illustrate this musically by clapping a short rhythm.
Syncopation
'Off the beat'. Regular rhythmic accents are displaced onto weaker beats contrary to the expectations of the listener. Very common in jazz and contemporary music.
An interactive guide which helps you understand key terms in music by bringing them to life with sound, and moving images.
