An ostinato gives another musical layer something steady to work with

Choose a short original pattern that can repeat comfortably. Add one changing contribution and compare the roles, keeping both parts simple enough that participants can notice the relationship instead of struggling to maintain the whole arrangement.

Keep the repeated part short enough to follow comfortably. The relationship between repeating and changing layers becomes clearer when roles are explicit.

Identify which part remains unchanged

Practise the repeated part. Add a second layer. Compare roles.

A steady two-tap pattern can continue while a partner changes gestures.

Keep layers short and optional. Which part repeats unchanged?

Follow a visual loop card.

Resources

• Rhythm Pattern Partner Cards — Use the pattern cards with a clear symbol key and optional quiet participation.

Further reading

• Musica Viva Australia — education program

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