The Cup Song phenomenon exploded after the movie Pitch Perfect in 2012, and it’s been almost impossible to escape the rhythmic tapping and clacking ever since, especially if you’re around kids! You know the tune – that catchy beat made with just a simple cup. In case it’s been a while, or you’re new to the cup craze, here’s a reminder of the basic rhythm:
It’s more than just a fun trend; the cup song is a fantastic rhythmic ostinato that offers incredible teaching opportunities. It’s become a core part of many music educators’ toolkit for developing rhythm skills, and a personal favorite for my “tika-ti” rhythmic approach.
The cup song’s popularity has spread far beyond the movie, inspiring countless versions and performances, like this energetic rendition by Kaboom Percussion:
If you find the rhythm tricky to grasp at full speed (like many of us do!), this helpful tutorial breaks down the basic pattern step-by-step:
Once you get the hang of it, you’re all set! All you need are some cups and a bit of enthusiasm. I find that brightly colored cups, like these sets from Ikea, make it even more engaging for students. The enthusiasm? Well, that’s a mix of genuine fun and a little caffeine!
Beyond the well-known movie version, the cup rhythm can be used as a captivating ostinato for other songs. Try adding it to familiar tunes like “John Kanaka,” a folk song and sea shanty. “John Kanaka” is excellent for older students because of its dotted rhythms, and it works well as an introduction to “so” for older beginners learning with a do-re-mi based system.
It’s worth noting from an ethnomusicological perspective that “John Kanaka” refers to a person of Polynesian descent, and there are varying opinions on whether this term is affectionate or potentially derogatory.
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Check out Lost Quays (great band name, right?) and their creative take on this combination:
Have you experimented with the cup ostinato alongside other songs? Share your ideas in the comments below!
#Rhythm #Ostinato
