Developing the rhythm and tempo
Adding syncopation
Notes that are played against the main beat are said to be syncopated. These can add interest to a piece because it can sound unusual or unexpected. Try experimenting with accents as well as syncopation.
Soweto Kinch talks about syncopation
Adding ostinato
An ostinato is a pattern that repeats over and over again. Try layering up different ostinati together in order to produce a complex, rhythmic effect.
This video lets you hear how different ostinato are layered together.
Using cross rhythms
When two parts have different rhythms at the same time as each other, the effect is known as cross rhythms. This can be very effective technique to use in composition.
Adding repetition
When you repeat a rhythm, it could be exactly the same or you could try adding extra notes or removing some notes to create extra interest.
Use question and answer
To add further interest to your original music, consider the time signature and tempo. You may wish to change part-way through your piece to add a contrasting section. You could also find a way to change back to the original time signature or tempo.
When changing the time signature and tempo, you could consider:
- changing from simple time to compound time
- changing from compound time to simple time
Choosing an appropriate tempo
- What suits your piece? What sort of mood are you trying to create?
- Changing tempo – A tempo, accelerando, rallentando, rubato
In the video below, Toby Shippey and Salsa Celtica layer rhythms.
