Instrument Exploration: Loop Pedal

INTRODUCE loop pedals

1. Explain that loop pedals aren’t exactly an instrument. Musicians can hook up loop pedals to certain instruments and create “loops” or recorded repeating patterns. Once the recorded patterns start repeating, a musician can play along with the loops, creating layers of sound.

2. Look at a picture of loop pedals.

LEARN how loop pedals work

Musician and fiddle player Gaelynn Lea uses loop pedals in her music. Watch her demonstrate how looping pedals work in this short video.

REINFORCE concepts through active learning

1. Choose a group of students to be a “human loop pedal.” Explain that their job is to repeat an ostinato (musical pattern) over and over. Make it short and simple, like a sol-mi pattern in a fun rhythm.

2. Once they get in the groove, find ways to layer sounds over the top. For younger, less experienced groups, you might just add unpitched instruments playing various rhythms. More advanced groups might improvise a melody, either vocally or on a melodic instrument.

3. Extend this activity by recording all students performing a “looped” ostinato. Play back the recording and as a group, add layers in the ways mentioned above.