Beginning Piano Tip 2

A strong sense of time and rhythm is essential to a well-controlled musical performance. There are 2 parts or layers to rhythm. The first is the underlying pulse i.e. the meter or number of beats to a bar as indicated by the time signature. Over this basic pulse we play varied rhythmic patterns, which create rhythmic interest throughout the piece.

Here are some practice tips to help you develop a strong sense of time & rhythm:

1.Cultivate the habit of always practicing in time (review last month’s rhythm tip)

2.To this end, work frequently with a metronome to develop an ingrained sense of pulse. Start slowly!

3.Without a metronome, internalize the pulse. Imagine a clock ticking inside of you.

4.Even if you lose the rhythmic pattern, cultivate the discipline of never losing the pulse or meter.

5.More complex rhythm patterns may need to be clapped or tapped out first. Counting aloud as you do this will increase your confidence and mastery of rhythm. Even professional musicians have to do this!

6.If you have difficulty with passages of short value notes/rests, learn the rhythm first, by converting or doubling the note/rest values.

Finally, remember that the language of rhythm in music is based on subdivision of a basic beat or pulse; e.g.1 quarter note = 2x 8th notes = 4x 16th notes, so keep it simple!

Malcolm Bromley