For all Instruments
Foot roller method
Develop a sense of rhythmic stability and build musical phrases upon it
The Foot Roller Method - from feeling rhythm to musical expression
The foot roller technique is an effective practice tool that can be used to develop rhythmic stability in a targeted manner. It anchors a sense of rhythm in the body through conscious, physically perceptible activity during practice. Rhythm is thus felt in the truest sense of the word and then expressed musically in performance. The method can be learned both through technical exercises and directly in musical works. It consists of four clearly structured steps that can be applied to almost any instrument and singing, regardless of age or playing level.
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Step 1 to 3 specifically promote rhythmic stability,
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Step 4 builds on this and leads to the development of musical phrases.
The four steps can be worked on independently and with the support of our mini subscription ‘Phrasing’.
What you need
First of all, it is important to be willing to actively use your feet, whether sitting or standing. We strongly recommend using special massage rollers for the Foot Roller Method, as this achieves the best possible results. There are different types of rollers. We particularly recommend our described and tested massage rollers and advise you to try out different models. A basic distinction is made between hard and air-filled rollers. For those who want to learn the basics comprehensively, we recommend our mini subscription ‘Phrasing’. There you will find detailed instructions and videos demonstrations on how to implement the method. Yes, it is basically possible to apply the basics of the technique without rollers – information on this can also be found in the mini subscription mentioned above.
Publications on the Foot Roller Methode
A fundamental publication conveys the four basic steps of Foot Roller Method in a practical manner using the piano as an example: from building rhythmic stability to musical phrasing. This is supplemented by application-oriented publications that show how individual elements of the technique can be used in a targeted manner, for example to develop playing technique or to promote rhythmic stability, even when the musical phrase is not the main focus. There are also regular events relating to the method.
Phrasing
Online course
Phrasing
The basics of the Foot Roller Method in four steps (28 video demonstrations).
Arm vibrato
Online Course
Arm vibrato
How the feet can support the development of arm vibrato (53 video demonstrations).
LHP practice technique
Online course
LHP practice technique
How the Foot Roller Method can support the development of playing technique (74 video demonstrations).
Internalize rhythm
Online course
Internalize rhythm
How feet can support beginners on the piano (44 video demonstrations).
Basic types of rolling
Ideally, the foot roller should be guided across the entire foot, from the tips of the toes to the heel. The rollers can be used both when sitting and standing, although there are significantly more variations when sitting. There are basically two types of guidance: in parallel and in opposite directions. This distinction does not apply when standing, as only one roller can be used. At the beginning, the roller is usually guided by spontaneous impulse. Applying this impulse at the right moment is a key part of the technique. A worthwhile goal is to absorb this impulse and convert it into a as smooth movement as possible over the entire rolling path. The key point here is that the journey is the destination.