January 2000: Building An Unfamiliar New Piece:

Unit 1: Correct Rhythm

Recently, someone wrote to "Ask Stephanie" with the following question: "What is the best way for a beginner to tell if the music sounds like it should?--- I have a basic knowledge of how to read music but I am always more confident with tunes I have heard before." Because the answer to this question is rather complex I will try to address it in the current unit.

How to start a new piece of music depends a great deal on the player's experience and level of ability. For those who are able, playing through the piece ( albeit with hesitations and errors) will provide a good overall idea of the sound. But for many, this is often not possible. So-----

Yes - notes are important, but rhythm is equally important! Without rhythm music is nothing more than an amorphous mess. Rhythm is the frame upon which all else is built. YOU MUST INCORPORATE RHYTHMIC PATTERNS FROM THE VERY FIRST MOMENT THAT YOU PLAY! You cannot afford to leave it for later. By then, your ear has become tainted and the real rhythm may even sound wrong.

A really good idea is to take a measure or two at a time. Do not play! Rather, count aloud and tap the rhythm using hands alone first, then hands together. Repeat each step as often as necessary until you are very comfortable with the patterns. When you have the sound and feel of the rhythm, then add the notes.

See you next month.

Stephanie

Would you like to ask Stephanie a question? Look for the "Ask Stephanie" link below...

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