Student - Listening

you can't stop the beat

Listening

Duration is used in an exciting way to create the uptempo piece You Can't Stop the Beat. In this activity, you will get to know some of the main rhythmical patterns, listen to the song, and then answer some questions about how Duration is used in this piece.

1. Listen to the patterns below taken directly from You Can't Stop the Beat - the pattern should automatically play when you move to each Flashcard. Some patterns are syncopated and some aren't. Try clapping these, reading these, get to know these really well so that you can recognise them when you're listening to the song.

2. Now watch the video of this piece, particularly thinking about the concept of Duration.

3. The title of this piece is You Can't Stop the Beat, referring to changing social attitudes in the 1960s. 'Beat' here has a few meanings but we are going to consider it as part of the musical concept of Duration which is a strong feature in this piece. Answer the questions below and write a response about how Duration is used in this piece.

Listening - Duration

* Indicates required field

What is the tempo of this piece? *

Very Fast - Presto Fast - Allegro Moderate - Moderato Slow - Lento

What is the time signature of this piece? *

3/4 - simple triple time, like a waltz 4/4 - simple quadruple time, even pulse like marching 6/8 - compound duple time, like skipping

Describe the rhythm which is used in the introduction - you can refer back to Step 1 for more help. You can also include other concepts e.g. texture and instrument roles to help your answer. *

Describe the rhythm in the chorus and compare it to the introduction. Again, refer back to Step 1 on this page if you need any help. You can also include other concepts e.g. texture and instrument roles to help your answer. *

Extension: Write about the STYLE of rhythm, tempo, time, used in this piece and comment on how this relates to the title of the song 'You Can't Stop the Beat' *

Submit and return to the student page

Duration terms:
Beat
Pulse
Rhythm
Tempo
Time signature
Metre
Note length
Accent
Rhythmic cell
Rhythmic quote
Syncopation
Ostinato
Anacrusis
Polyrhythm
Style

Do you want to test yourself on these terms (plus more)?
Click here to go to my quiz on Duration.

Further Listening:
Here's links to other songs from Hairspray. If you follow up on these, you will see Duration is used in a different way in each piece, creating a different musical style.

Good Morning Baltimore

Nicest Kids in Town

The Legend of Miss Baltimore Crabs

I Can Hear the Bells

Run and Tell That

Welcome to the 60's

Big, Blonde and Beautiful

The New Girl in Town

Timeless to Me

I Know Where I've Been

Without Love