Utilising
rhythm instruments and music allows students to employ a multi-sensory approach
towards learning. A superb example is the use of Claves because they provide a learning tool which boosts development
of fine motor skills, auditory skills, body awareness, hand-eye co-ordination,
sense of rhythm and synchronisation of mind and body (touching, hearing, moving
and seeing).
“Clave” means Clef. Here are some clave rhythms: 
Claves are easy to hold and
manipulate.
The following video shows how
to play claves :
The History of Claves -- powered by ehow
Claves can be made easily and quite quickly using two pieces of wood which are about 22 cms in length. I made Claves using two different types of timber, with one piece being cylindrical and the other a rectangular prism – as seen below. Investigations can be made in order to seek particular sounds for a specific song. The claves can be decorated or kept unadorned.
Here is a demonstration of how to play a 6 8 African pattern
using the Claves:
How to Play 6-8 African Pattern With Claves -- powered by ehow
Dearling states, in The
Ultimate Encyclopaedia of Music Instruments (page 104, 1996, London,
Carlton Books), that the first composer to use claves was Edgard Varèse in his piece entitled Ionisation (1931). Others have followed
including Elizabeth Lutyens, an English composer, who included Claves in her
work of “a charade in four scenes and three interruptions, Time Off? Not a Ghost of a Chance.
Here is a link for one performance of
Edgard Varése’s
piece, Ionisation. It is quite intriguing observing the
musicians!!
However, I prefer this presentation of the Ionisation piece. This is performed (with
an audience all around) most tastefully by the Amadinda Percussion Group,
the Mondo Quartet and students of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest,
in February, 2005. There are many children in the audience – very well-behaved-
and they seem captivated – observe point 3.44!
Here are some Cuban-styled claves:
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