LESSON PLAN: Beginner Beat Boxing
Objective
Students will understand that any and every vocal sound can be used percussively. Students will learn the basic building blocks of beat boxing.
Resources
Optional YouTube video
Procedures
- Here is a great script to introduce the voice as percussion instrument:
a) “Everyone make a sound with your mouth.” Some students will jump on the opportunity while other will want more direction.
b) “Even the word ‘make’ can act as a great vocal sound.” At this point, begin making rhythms using the word ‘make’.
c) “Ok, now let’s hum! Did you ever eat something and think it’s delicious? Pretend you just ate your favorite food.” Lead the class in an “mmmmmm.” - Ask students why it does not sound like beat boxing. The reason is that it does not emulate drum sounds.
- Now show students how just these two sounds can be enough to create a cool rhythmic pattern! “Make, MakeMmm Make, Make, MakeMmmm.” Do a ‘repeat after me’ having them echo a few sample patterns using ‘make’ and ‘mmmm’.
- Explain, “To make the sound of a kick drum or floor tom, close your lips and build up some air pressure. Then release. Try with tight lips, try with loose lips, try opening your mouth on the left, and then on the right. Try in the center. How does the sound differ?”
- Explain, “To get the sound of a snare or a symbol, push air through your teeth with your lips open and your jaw relaxed. Try moving your tongue around – against your top palette, lower palette, in the back of your mouth, etc.” Give students time to experiment
- Explain, “Move your tongue around, Move your lips around. Hear the different timbres.” Continue, “To get the sound of a hi hat, push your tongue against your top teeth, use it to block the air and then release the air.” Give students a minute or so to experiment.
- Initiate another call and response.
Extension
- Send students in small groups to compose their own rhythms using various beat box sounds. Parameters may vary depending on age group and allotted time.
- Show a YouTube video so great beat boxers. There are so many!
National Core Arts Standards (Music)
Anchor Standard #5: Develop and refine artistic work for presentation. Example: MU:Pr5.1.3b – Rehearse to refine technical accuracy, expressive qualities and identified performance challenges. Anchor Standard #3: Present – Share creative musical work that conveys intent, demonstrates craftsmanship, and exhibits originality.