For all instruments
Rhythmic stability
Playing techniques and musicality
Rhythmic stability — the ability to maintain pulse and flow even through technically and musically demanding passages — is essential for every musician. The elements that support it — rhythm, coordination, technique, and musical expression — are often practiced separately. While this is useful, they can also be cultivated simultaneously. Working on them together not only saves time but is remarkably effective. We explore ways in which rhythmic stability can be developed directly through the body and organically linked to technical precision and musical expression.
Violin | Viola
Left-hand pizzicato as a practicing technique (LHP)
Rhythm stability is developed with the LHP at the same time as all basic coordination parameters, for both the left and the right hand.
The development of the left-hand pizzicato as a practicing technique (LHP) is one of the more extensive results. Erdmute Hohage, the inventor of this practising technique, has also extended it to the use of the right hand and the integration of the whole body. This has lead to the booklet Pizzicato World violin and viola, a comprehensive practical book for learning the technique directly, suitable for all playing levels.
All Instruments
Foot Roller Method
Rhythmic stability can be developed directly on the instrument using foot rollers, as a basis for musical phrasing.
The development and refinement of the Foot Roller Method is also one of the more extensive results. Erdmute Hohage, the creator of this practice technique, began experimenting with the precursors to this technique back in the 1990s, initially focusing on musical phrases. It consists of four steps. Steps 1-3 serve to stabilise rhythm, and step 4 serves to develop musical phrases. There are several publications in which parts of the technique are used, e.g. to develop playing techniques, and one main digital publication that demonstrates the four-step method.
Further publications
Internalize rhythm
Piano
Internalize rhythm
We have also developed a systematic programme for the piano that enables beginners to combine rhythmic stability and coordination with the use of the body, as well as the development of the playing technique. It is a collection of 12 consecutive exercises called ‘Internalizing rhythm’ and is available as a mini-subscription.
