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Rhythm and subdivision

This week we looked in depth at how to think and communicate about rhythm.

We discussed meter and rhythmic feel - how many beats per measure (aka, how do you count the music you're playing) and what feel does the song have: straight, swing, triplet, etc.

We also delved into subdivision - how to break the beat into smaller pieces, to make your time more accurate and help communicate about the placement of notes.

Check out the slides

Homework includes:

Listening and analysis

  • Speak your subdivisions while listening to the radio
  • Listen to music you find interesting and figure out where the melody falls in the subdivisions.
  • Find challenging music to explore new rhythms, and study the history/culture.

Practice

  • Practice scales and other technique exercises at 60bpm, with a metronome. 
  • Listen to where your notes fall, early, late or on time. Then fix it.
  • Subdivide like crazy, to improve your time accuracy and feel.

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