Developing rhythm sense: Note card variations

Very often as pianists our hands are required to play two separate musical thoughts whether it be with the notes, dynamic signs, and/or rhythm patterns.  For example while our left hand fingers are playing eighth notes our right hand fingers could be playing a combination of dotted quarter, quarter, and eighth notes.  In addition to playing different note values we could also be required to play one hand softer or louder than the other hand.  Do you remember someone asking you to tap your head and rub your belly at the same time when you were young? How long did it take you to get it? It took me a few tries. My elementary school friends and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world at the time. We'd giggle and laugh with each other at our feeble attempts at mastering this exercise but when we finally got it....boy, did it feel as though we had just moved a mountain!  No wonder studies have shown that children who play instruments get really good grades in school, are more focused and attentive, and have strong higher level thinking skills!  Playing an instrument constantly challenges our brain in wonderful and unique ways.

A few weeks back in my January 8th entry, I talked about laying note cards on the floor and having my students walk through whatever rhythm pattern I made up to a metronome beat. I normally start out with a slow speed then gradually increase the tempo. This week I'm giving my students a more challenging rhythm sequence. I've been laying two sets of cards down; one pattern for their feet to walk and another for their hands to clap at the same time. It's proving to be quite challenging for the kiddos! Even my rhythm "experts" find this exercise challenging. After a few goes at it they do eventually get used to doing two separate actions at the same time.  You could lay down quarter notes and half notes for your beginner students and eighth notes and dotted quarter note sequences for your more advanced students.

 To make it even more challenging you could add a dynamic sign to each side; have their feet stomp "forte" while their hands clap "piano".  You could accent one or two of the notes as well!  Remember to have your students walk in the middle of the two sets of cards but not on the cards since they can prove to be quite slippery.  Until next time, Daphne Vasquez (piano blogger) signing off.......

Developing rhythm sense: Note Swatters

Wow! What an exciting Superbowl game between the Patriots and the Giants.  I am not a big sports buff but even I got drawn into the excitement of the game.  Well, this week my students in addition to playing a Valentine's Day game (in anticipation of next Tuesday) will be swatting notes to help further develop their sense of rhythm.  All you need is poster board, magic markers, and a fly swatter.  It's so easy and fast to create.  Laminate it, store it, and bring it out every once in a while for total fun!  Purchase a few extra sheets of poster board and create new patterns.  I wrote out patterns on the front and  back of the poster board as you see on the left hand side of this entry to fit different stages of rhythmic development.  My more advanced students will be swatting dotted quarter and eighth note patterns while my newer students will be swatting quarter, half, and whole note patterns.  I taped the board onto my front door.  Hand your student a fly swatter, turn the metronome on, and let them swat through the pattern you choose for them.  I tell them to swat as hard as they can and they love it!  You can have them swat a few different note patterns that you create and speed up or slow down the metronome beat.  Until next time.........