Posted by Brian Ridley on December 28, 2001 at 00:11:20:
In Reply to: Got Rhythm? posted by Kid in the 'Burbs on December 27, 2001 at 15:59:10:
I was never very strong in the art of reading complex rhythms. In fact, I didn't get really good at it until I started teaching. My advice to you is two-fold. First, begin memorizing rhythmic blocks. Simple two beat rhythmic phrases which can be found on any rhythm sheet. Then expand to three beat phrases, four beat phrases, etc., etc. Finally, once you have memorized these small phrases, learn how to piece them together. Soon your mind will react instinctively to rhytms as you see them presented without having to count them out every time. Secondly, find a little kid in the burbs and teach him/her everything you know about rhythm. Explaining rhythmic concept again and again will drill them into your head. Pardon the grammar and or spelling, it's late.
Brian Ridley
Dept. Chair
Bremen City Schools