Beginner's Corner: Beat and Rhythm

As you can see, two of my grandsons love beating on the pots and pans drumming wall!

Teaching piano students to count the rhythm while they're practicing or just having them use a metronome can be a bit challenging at times. As musicians, we know it's so important to play the rhythm correctly. Here's a few points to consider.

Beat is the steady pulse in music, like the "tick-tocks" on the clock. The beat can be fast or slow, but it always stays the same and steady (unless the composer asks you to start speeding up or slowing down). Most commonly the beat is a quarter note, but it can be an eighth note or a half note.

4/4   F, F, F, F
        1  2   3  4

Rhythm is the pattern of short and long notes in a piece. It is the combination of all the different note values, such as half notes or quarter notes. The rhythm of a melody has to fit into the steady beat.

4/4  F, FF, F
       1  2     3 4

Counting the Beat

Counting the beat will help you play rhythms correctly. It is a little tricky to count while playing (especially counting out loud), but it gets much easier with practice!

1. Start with short pieces that use very simple rhythms, such as quarter and half notes. First just count the beat while looking at the music. As you say each beat (number) move your eyes over the measure.

2. Count the beat and clap the rhythm. (You clap the notes - quarter notes, eighth notes etc. that you see in the music while counting 1 2 3 4 or however many beats are in the time signature.)

3. When you get good at this, play the example while counting out loud.

Try these examples. For each one the beats are under the notes, as shown in the first example. Clap the rhythm while counting and then play and count out loud.

1. 4/4  C  E  FG  A / GF ED CG C

            1  2  3     4  / 1     2     3    4

2.  3/4  F    EF / BC F F

            12  3   /  1    2 3

3.  2/4  AD  BG  / AE  D

             1     2     /  1     2

4.  3/8  D  G  B  / C  B

            1    2   3 / 12  3

Intermediate Rhythm

If you are an intermediate player, you might want to play along with this chord chart, Bruce Hornsby's song, That's Just The Way It Is.

4 bars drums

Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / D / Cadd9 / x2

Am7              Em7  

Standing in line marking time

D               Cadd9          G

Waiting for the welfare dime

D                       Cadd9

'Cause they can't buy a job

Am7                      Em7  

The man in the silk suit hurries by

D                      Cadd9          G

As he catches the poor ladies' eyes

D                           Cadd9

Just for fun he says "get a job"

Chorus

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     Somethings will never change,

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

G       Fmaj7   C               Cadd9           

////    ////    ///     Ah, but don't you believe them.

Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / D / Cadd9 /

They say, hey little boy you can't go where the others go

'Cause you don't look like they do

Said hey old man how can you stand

To think that way did you really think about it

Before you made the rules he said, Son

Chorus

Solo

Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / D / Cadd9 / x5

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

Well they passed a law in '64

To give those who ain't got a little more

But it only goes so far

Because the law don't change another's mind

When all it sees at the hiring time

Is the line on the color bar

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

G       Fmaj7   C                       Cadd9

////    ////    ///     That's just the way it is,

Solo

Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / Am7 / Em7 / D / Cadd9 / G / D / Cadd9 / to fade

Advanced Rhythm

The ability to play cross rhythms easily is an essential part of a pianist's advanced technique. Yes, it can be acquired at an early age. Before a student attempts to play a cross rhythm, he must first be able to divide a steady beat into two, three or four equal parts. Practice clapping pairs of quavers, then triplets, then finally groups of four semiquavers.

Oh, now you can see and hear the beating of the drum from a 2 year old and 7 year old!!

Drums from Hear and Play is a great dvd resource for your library. Also, you can check out some music articles of mine if you're interested:

Rhythm-in-Music

Syncopation-Workshop-of-Rhythm

Triplets-Vs-Eighth-Notes

Blessings,

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

10 Quick Tips About Piano Practice

commons.wikimedia.org

 Mailbox Monday

Question: The children don't know how to practice their songs. Can you help?

Yes, thanks for asking this frequent question that is so common with many households.

I have written at least three articles on the subject. So, without copying and pasting all the information here in this blog post, I thought I'd share the links with you to look at in your free time.

I hope they will be helpful in your discipline as an artist to visit the piano each day and make the most of your piano lessons at home.

In 2005 I wrote: How To Practice The Piano In Five Easy Steps

In 20011 I wrote: Practice Tips

In 2015 I wrote: 10 Quick Tips About Piano Practice

 I decided to share the latest one with those in the beginner's corner.

1. Practice warm-ups first. When your hands are warmed-up properly, you will be able to approach a new song with greater ease and with less mistakes. Lack of tension produces more beautiful tones. Use scales and finger exercises for your warm-up. Always use curved fingers.
2. Practice slowly. Your brain cannot retain music information in detail when you play fast. It is necessary to play slowly and carefully at all times. Don't push your speed. Take it slow and steady. Play each warm-up slowly at first. When you can play smoothly and evenly you may gradually increase speed.
3. Practice short passages. Each day practice just one passage, and practice it very carefully and thoroughly. In the long run, this makes for a better practice session. When you have a short piece or song to work on, you will not feel overwhelmed.
4. Practice at the same time. First thing in the morning you are refreshed and ready to go. For others, school and homework come first. Follow up with a practice session in the afternoon or early evening.
5. Practice chart. A practice chart or journal is a record of your practice sessions, including what you practice and for how long. At the end of each practice session, write down exactly which piece you studied and the number of minutes spent on it. Make a specific list, set goals and try to meet them. Check each goal as you complete it. Make practicing a game or challenge.
6. Practice with correct fingering. Learn a song with the sequence of notes stepping up and down the keyboard. Learn the form of the movements to play the piece comfortably. Learn to be fluent in responding to finger numbers. If you are consistent with your fingering, you will be very secure and confident when playing in front of others. I can't emphasize good posture enough because it makes playing easier and enjoyable.
7. Practice right where you left off when you made a mistake. Students always start from the beginning of a song. They become very good at playing the beginning of a piece, but tend to be less proficient towards the end. Start over at the measure where you hit the wrong note.

8. Practice counting out loud. Counting out loud is good advice for the beginner student, especially during slow practice in the early stages of learning a song. It is an effective way to develop your sense of rhythm. Hearing your voice and your hands helps you with coordination between two hands as well as the timing of the piece. Counting the beat will help you play rhythms correctly. Counting out loud gets much easier with practice.
9. Practice each hand separately to the end. Take a few measures and within that segment play the Left Hand several times until you can play it comfortably with a rounded hand. Do the same with the Right Hand. Next play both hands slowly until you can play the segment comfortably before advancing to the next section. Decide if you want to practice each line or a couple of measures 2-3 times. Use a little weight when dropping into a key to make louder tones.
10. Practice looking at the music. As much as possible, try not to look down at your hands but look at your sheet music. It's fine to occasionally look down at your hands, especially after the piece has been learned. When you look at your hands just try to remember where you are on the sheet music, and do not move your head. Just move your eyes. When you look back up at the sheet music it will be easier to find your place on the sheet music.

All the best,

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

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Back To School: Piano Lessons

Cover via Amazon

I'm getting ready to head up a new school year of teaching piano to home school students, as well as those who attend public and private schools. Oh, and I love to teach adults because I enjoy spending more time with them at a slower pace. Usually an hour lesson provides lots of learning time and the younger ones enjoy a fast-paced half hour time slot.

Beginner's Corner

As you've probably gathered online as well as from your own personal experience, all piano teachers use different methods, piano books and teaching approaches with their lessons. I am always being asked, "What books do you use?" and my answer usually is... 'it depends.'

For beginners, I like these four little pink books!
Bastien Piano Basics Primer Level - Learn to Play Four Book Set - Includes Primer Level Piano, Theory, Technic, and Performance Books

Music Theory Primer Level:

1. Rhythm in Music
2. Music Alphabet
3. Time Signatures
4. The Staff
5. The Grand staff
6. Clef Signs
7. Dynamics
8. Measuring Intervals
9. Slurs and Ties
10. Chords
11. Sharps and Flats
12. Middle C Position, C Position and G Position

When my students finish these books, which usually takes them the entire school year, they then move on to Level 1B. Keep in mind that I supplement their notebooks with free music sheets, music games, work sheets and ear training. Lots to do in such a short amount of time.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Lesson Book Level 1B

Music Theory - Level 1B

1. C Position Review, G Position Review and Middle C Position

2. Review Melodic and Harmonic Intervals

3. Incomplete Measure

4. Review Dynamic Signs

5. Accent Sign

6. Tempo Marks

7. Eighth Notes

8. New Time Signatures and New Concepts

9. Damper Pedal

10. Eighth Rest

11. Measuring Half Steps and Whole Steps, Tetrachords

12. Major Scale

Young students and adults who are ready to move on will enjoy a new learning experience with

Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book: Level 2

Music Theory: Level 2

1. Time Signature Changes and Tempo Changes

2. New Rhythm Patterns

3. Shape of Intervals

4. Playing 6the in G Position

5. Fluency in a piece that changes registers frequently

6. Moving hands to 8va position and more frequent left hand positions

7. Harmonic 6ths moving stepwise

8. Blues Scales, Major Scales ascending, descending and contrary motion

9. Measuring 7ths, Playing Harmonic 7ths

10. Reviewing tetrachords and major scale patterns

11. Triad Vocabulary, Blocked and Broken Chords, V7 chord

12. Chord Progressions

Another resource I recommend, 300pg Piano By Ear Home Study Course
Adults, College kids and High School students like this reference book. It's a great theory reference guide to have on hand. You'll be filling in the blanks with pencil a lot!

Hope you have a great school year with many blessings and opportunities for you to share your talents and musical gifts!

 If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin'
Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!


"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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Primary Chords to Know

Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Awhile back I wrote a post about three chords, the-chords-c-f-and-g. I thought I would elaborate a bit more since you've probably heard music teacher's say that you only need to know just a few chords to play any song. So, what are those chords? Here's a few points to know.

1. Every key has three chords known as primary chords.
2. They are groups of notes built on the 1st note of the scale, the 4th note of that scale and the 5th    note of the scale.
3. These notes occur more than any other chord in a song but remember there are more chords throught a song.
4.  Build the I Chord from C (in the Key of C) = CEG
5.  Build the IV Chord from F = FAC
6.  Build the V Chord from G = GBD
7.  Remember the I, IV, V is based on the scale of that particular key.

Absolute C

Db Eb Gb Ab Bb C D E F G A B C

Absolute F

Db Eb Gb Ab Bb C D E F G A B C

Db Eb Gb Ab Bb C D E F G A B C

Absolute G

Db Eb F# Ab Bb C D E F G A B C

Db Eb F# Ab Bb C D E F G A B C

You need to know these 3 chords so that you can play and sing in every key, in addition to C.

Key / Chords

G: G, C, D

D: D, G, A

A: A, D, E

E: E, A, B

B: B, E, F#

F: F, Bb, C

Bb: Bb. Eb, F

Eb: Eb, Ab, Bb

Ab: Ab, Db, Eb

Db: Db, Gb, Ab

Gb: Gb, Cb, Db

By learning these 3 chords to any key, you can start off with Silent Night and then practice singing and playing this Christmas song in all the other keys. Are you familiar with the story of Silent Night? Here it is, www.wnyc.org.

For music instruction on learning piano chords, visit Chords 101 & 102 for the audio series.

Have fun with it. I think playing Christmas Carols is a great confidence booster to your piano playing!

If you find that you're an intermediate player, then check out the other silent-night-arrangements.

Order this DVD resource for ChristmasKeys1 to get a jump start on the season's music.

Blessings,







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Beginner's Corner: Ledger Lines

Ledger line example (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Ledger Lines

Sometimes the five lines of the treble clef and the five lines of the bass clef are
not enough to write down all the notes a composer wants to use.

The really low and really high notes go above or below the staff, but they can't
just hang in empty space. To make room for notes that don't fit on the staff musicians
use ledger lines.

They are short lines stacked above or below the regular lines of each staff. Think of
ledger lines as additional steps above or below the staff. A definition and picture is
demonstrated at http://www.thefreedictionary.com

By adding the staff, ledger lines provide means for indicating pitches either higher or
lower than the limits of the five-line staff.

A note on the space above or the space below the staff does not require a ledger line.
So, at times a musical sounds may be either higher or lower than those pitches represented
by lines and spaces of the staff. The means of writing such pitches are provided by ledger lines.

I think it's probably a good idea to learn how to read ledger lines, especially for those high
octave endings and low bass tone endings. A foundation for learning the staff, clefs and ledger
lines can be found at http://www.8notes.com

In the above photo, the higher note is called "High C" but no, it's not the highest C
on the piano. Remember that the line notes, starting with the first line, is E, G, B, D, F.
Therefore, the first ledger line is A and the note sitting on the 2nd line is C.

Now, the lower note is resting on the A line. The first line is Middle C and counting the music alphabet backwards we arrive at A. I think one of the coolest photos to explain all this theory
can be found at http://www.dummies.com

For more additional online information regarding ledger lines, visit http://www.tedvieira.com/onlinelessons/sightreading101

Photo Credit: Susanparadis.wordpress.com

 A very valuable print out to use for testing yourself and students is the use of flash cards.
Some great ones can be found, here

Ledger lines in different languages are called:

• linea aggiunta (It)
• ligne ajoutée / supplémentaire (Fr)
• Hilfslinie (Ger)

They are important to learn how to read them and where to play those note on the piano,
especially when you see the octave sign, 8va (meaning a note or section will be played an
octave higher.)

You may be interested in the Gospel Music Training Center, visit gmtc

Have a great week ahead!





"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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