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The term “static motion” in music refers to a line of music that moves neither up nor down. It might seem ironic that in lessons titled “Moving Around the Keyboard”, we begin with a lesson on static motion. But static motion is considered a kind of motion in music since music moves through time. Although we aren’t moving on the keyboard, we are moving through time and so this lesson does indeed belong here.
The music in this lesson is for Trumpet, Drum Set, Upright Bass, and Piano. In it you will play two notes simultaneously in a repeated rhythmic pattern. This will be one of the easier pieces you play in this course but there will nevertheless be something new to learn here.
Step 1. First, as always, listen to the lesson music.
Step 2. Then listen to the pattern you will play. This pattern, despite its apparent simplicity, has some features worth pointing out. To begin with, the pattern actually begins with a four beat rest. In the percussion accompaniment you will notice the cymbal mark out the beginning of the pattern but the piano doesn’t come in until four beats latter. It also features some syncopation, notes that land off the beat, which is something you won’t have had to play yet in this course1. Count along as you play and notice when the notes land off the beat.
1 The pattern you played in Step Two, Lesson 6 had a kind of syncopation but it wasn’t as pronounced as the one in this lesson.
Step 3. Now find the notes on the keyboard and play along with the percussion accompaniment. If you aren’t sure when to play the syncopated notes try counting in between the beats; “1, &, 2, &, 3, &, 4, &...”
Step 4. Next, listen to the pattern accompanied by the drum set. Remember to practise each step in these lessons in various ways; counting aloud and silently, singing along, playing in your mind...
Step 5. Then play along with the drum set accompaniment.
Step 6. Now listen to the pattern accompanied by the drum set and another piano. Notice the ‘call and response’ relationship between your part and the other piano part.
Step 7. Play the pattern now along with the drum set and piano accompaniment.
Step 8. Next, listen to the lesson music played without the trumpet. Notice how the other piano part evolves throughout the music while your part remains the same. This kind of repeated musical pattern persisting throughout a piece or section of music while the other parts change is called an “ostinato”. It can be interesting to hear in music which features an ostinato how the music around the ostinato can affect the character of the ostinato itself. See if you can hear the changing intensity of the music and whether or not that affects how you perceive your part.
Step 9. Now play along to this version of the lesson music. Remember to try to make your playing reflect the character of the music. Even with such a simple part to play it is important that you bring out what the music makes you feel.
Step 10. Finally, play along with the full version of the lesson music.