JAVS Fall 1999

43

LIVING RHYTHM: JusT Do IT!

by Heidi Castleman

The basic elements of musical language are pitch, sound, and rhythm. Unfortunately, too often we spend the least amount of attention on developing the rhythmic element. The purpose of this study is to offer a list of activities that promote good rhythm. On a daily basis, focus on a few of the approaches or activities listed, selecting them accord ing to the areas of your playing that most need improvement. Be clear with yourself-Does your playing need more rhythmic accuracy and consistency? Does it need more convincing rhythmic characters? Does it need more freedom? Are there certain parts of the energy spectrum you avoid? Then set about addressing these issues. Have fun! I. ACCURACY AND EASE: fEELING MULTIPLE PULSE-LEVELS • Set the metronome at~ = 60. 1. Good body balance facilitates accurate rhythm. Relax your throat and hands so that you can feel multiple pulse levels easily. 2. Have a mental concept of the pulse within its meter (2/4, 3/4. 4/4, etc.). Visualize and mentally rehearse subdivisions of2, 3 and 4. 3. Give yourself a preparatory cue through breathing. 4. Walk the pulse. Lift your legs in a relaxed way, feeling the metronome pulse through arches while remaining aware of grouping pulses by measure. 5. While walking the pulse, clap 4 measures each of 8ths, triplet 8ths, 16ths, triplet 8ths and 8ths. Repeat at~ = 80, 100.

• Use Ely, Accuracy in Rhythm 1 exercises, clapping and walking at different metronome settings.

1. While walking the pulse, clap the bottom line. 2. Think the bottom line, and clap the top line.

Example 1-Ely, Accuracy in Rhythm, exercise 1

1. Richard Ely, Accurary in Rhythm: 55 Rhythmic Exercises in Duet Form for All Instruments, may be purchased from Wimbledon Music, 1888 Century Park East, Century Ciry, CA 90067.