Heidi Brook

General Music Pedagogies Lesson Plan 1

WORLD DRUMMING
Seating Chart:
Objective- establish a routine
Students standing in Level 1 strong bodies, will be chosen to be seated at a
drum.
Drums will be arranged in a circle with low, med and high sections
Students will be expected to exhibit 4 concepts, Levels 2-5, in order to have
the privilege to play the drums:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Space between chair and back

Feet flat on floor
Hands on knees
Tall back

Plan:
1-2 minutes

Classroom Rules:
Objective- establishing routine and expectations
Discuss and consistently enforce classroom rules:
1.
2.
3.

Raise your hand to speak

Participate
Respect yourself, others, and the instruments

Plan:
1-2 minutes

Speech Activity:
Objectives- get to know each other, solo experience
Name game with body percussion from Funga Ah Lafia
1.
2.
3.

Teach Low high low, hands off body percussion pattern Level 6
Master pattern while saying: Whats your name? Level 7
Once secure, go around the circle and each student fills the hands
off space with their name.

example:

4.
5.

Everyone: Whats your name?

Soloist: Michael

Transfer pattern to the drums. Level 8

To ensure the memorization of all names go around the circle, on the
drums this time, and entire class responds during the hands off
space. Level 9

example:

Soloist: Whats my name?

Rest of class: Michael Level 10

Plan:
5 minutes

Heidi Brook

Rhythmic Training:
Objectives- rhythmic patterns for Dessert Fire
Body Percussion: The Stop Signal and Dessert Fire
Pop quiz: Students recall to clap above their heads in sync at the last beat of
the Stop Signal. Level 1 for bodies. Level 2 for Stop Signal.
Teach each part of Dessert Fire with body percussion. Levels 3-5:
1.
2.
3.

Low high high high (x3) Low high (x2). Discuss pattern/form.
Low low high (x4)
I like to play the drum with the same hand

Bonus Levels: Teacher plays the next rhythm on the drums while students
focus on each other to keep the body percussion together.

Plan:
10 minutes

Instrument Techniques:
Objectives- high and low notes on drum, exploration, improvisation
The Dessert Fire: Drumming techniques
Practice following instructors hand above drum. Level 6
Practice steady beat on low note with cupped hand. Level 7
Review proper technique for high notes:
1.
2.
3.

Make triangle with hands

Slide to edge of drum, meaty part of hand
Motion is like a chime or handbell

Pass around hot dog or two high notes. Try to sound like one drum and keep
steady beat. Levels 8-10.
Bonus Levels: Waking up the drum. Teacher guided student improvisation
with high notes, low notes and other improvised sounds.

Plan:
10 minutes

Song with Instruments:

Objectives- high and low notes, rhythmic patterns, ensemble, listening
The Dessert Fire: Drum Ensemble
All students learn each of the three parts on their drums by listening first then
joining. Jumping Levels for strong bodies, and drumming techniques.
1.
2.
3.

Low high high high (x3) Low high (x2). Discuss pattern/form.
Low low high (x4)
I like to play the drum with the same hand

Teacher can play other parts while the rest of the class listens and plays
together. Bonus levels.
Students are divided into sections based on their drums; low, med or high.
Teacher adds each part separately beginning with meds.
Bonus Levels: Adding dynamics, playing with recordings or singing. Perhaps,
Dance for the Nations.

Plan:
10 minutes

Heidi Brook

Lining Up:
Objectives- establishing routines
Teach students to push chairs away from drums.
Discuss appropriate behaviour around the drums when leaving the class.

Plan:
1-2 minutes