Beat vs. No Beat

  • Play keyboard examples of songs with an obvious steady beat (i.e. march) and long, sustained tones for examples with “no beat.”
  • Or… play recordings while students circle “beat” or “no beat.”

For songs with an obvious steady beat, you could use:

  • John Philip Sousa marches
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart–Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
  • Hoe-down from “Rodeo” (Copland)
  • Mozart-Turkish March
  • J.S.Bach Piano Concerto No.7 in G minor

For songs with no obvious steady beat, choose something with long, sustained tones:

  • Gustav Mahler – Adagietto from Symphony no. 5
  • Holst – Mars from “The Planets Suite” – parts of it 
  • Barber’s Adagio For Strings, Op. 11 – parts of it
  • Chant of the Templars – Salve Regina

Sound effects

Steady Beat

No Beat

See also

This book is full of fun sounds that emulate instruments and environmental sounds.

Extras for Plus Members

(or available for purchase here)

  • Beat or No Beat Digital & Printable Visuals

Steady Beat

No Beat

  • Assessments