Rhythm in Speech

The English language is very rhythmic, and naturally lends itself to teaching students rhythm.  There is a universal pattern of rhythmic flow and stress of language, which children are presented with every day. 

Words become musical when:

1.   They are spoken over the foundation of a set pulse.

2.   Their sounds are transformed into chants of longer and shorter musical durations.

3.   Some words in a group are emphasized over others.

Words can be associated with durations based on syllables.  One syllable words, like "blue", or "pear", can be used as quarter notes.  Two syllable words, like "yellow" or "tiger" can be used for eighth notes.  Words like "pineapple" are used as triplets, and "boysenberry" for sixteenth notes.