Learning and practising rhythm

Rhythm and coordination

We want to combine rhythm learning and the improvement and learning of instrumental technique in a meaningful way. The starting point is the experience that it is not satisfactory if you can tap or clap a rhythm correctly: The transfer to the instrument, i.e. the connection to the playing technique, is missing. This depends on very good coordination between right and left.

Our approach

We want to develop meaningful and cross-method approaches that are directly related to the development of playing technique. Ideally, these are exercises that develop playing technique and build a sense of rhythmic stability.

Results

The development of the left-hand pizzicato as a practicing technique (LHP) is so far the most comprehensive result. Erdmute Hohage, the inventor of this practicing technique, has also extended it to the simultaneous use of the right hand and the whole body. Pizzicato World violin and viola is the comprehensive practice book for learning the practicing technique directly for all playing and learning levels.

A digital collection of exercises has also been created that focuses on special playing techniques for high strings: Scales, increasing fluency, changes of string planes, intervals as double stops, chord technique, left-hand pizzicato as a playing technique. The basis is the LHP, but examples are used to show how the mentioned topics can be practiced sensibly. The collection is called “Improve with the left” and is available as a mini subscription.

Rhythm and coordination also play an important role in the first volume of Make music. Tuneful from day one an important role and is thus systematically and consistently integrated into the initial lessons and also closely linked to the development of playing technique. You can find out more here.

Angelika S. Schepke has developed a systematic program for the piano that enables beginners to combine the development of a sense of rhythmic stability and coordination with the use of the whole body, as well as the basic development of the playing technique. It is a collection of 12 consecutive exercises called “Internalize rhythm” and is available digitally as a mini subscription.