Rockin’ the Rhythm!

Music usually consists of notes and rhythms, and we study both aspects in piano lessons. For many people, the rhythm is harder to learn than the notes. That’s why we put extra effort into rhythm practice. Some people think the rhythm is more important than the notes! I know a  musician who said he’d rather play a wrong note than miss a beat. When the rhythm is  accurate, the song holds together in a satisfying manner.  

Lately I’ve realized a new angle for studying the rhythm. Traditionally, as people learn to  count the rhythm in their piano study, the beat slowly starts to become internalized. As that progresses, the person begins to feel the beat as a force of its own, and less counting is required to stay accurate. I also know that people who play in bands have to quickly develop the  internal sense of the beat. So why not simulate the band experience early on to help internalize  the beat more quickly for piano students? I played piano for many years before I had my first band experience. Playing in a band is awesome! And even if you don’t aspire to that, this kind  of rhythm study will increase your musical ability.  

This is why I’m using backing tracks as part of the rhythm study with my piano students. A backing track is a rhythm section that plays behind the main melody. It simulates playing in a band. There are existing YouTube backing track videos for the blues and other miscellaneous projects. And now I’ve begun making my own backing tracks, so I can choose exactly which music to make the tracks for. It’s a learning curve for me, with the software that’s involved, but it’s paying off well so far! This type of activity can help any piano student have a stronger sense of the beat, even if they’re not pursuing a band experience.  

With the Bolck video, learn the right hand alone, counting out loud “1-2-3-4” without the  video. Then play along with the video until you can feel the rhythm without needing to count. Same with left hand and hands together.  

With the Silent Night video, start by playing the chords only, with the left hand. The same chord repeats in each measure until a new chord symbol appears. Counting out loud “1-2-3” makes it work. While you won’t need to count; you’ll just feel the beats. When you’re ready,  try the melody (right hand) along with the video. When you can do that, it’s a nice  accomplishment. Hands together would be next, of course.  

Good luck in your rhythm journey! I sometimes wonder if playing piano with good rhythm is beneficial for our hearts physically, because of the internal steadiness we develop in feeling the beat. Maybe someone will do a study about that. 

Also, if you are interested in learning more about the piano or would like to start taking private piano lessons online, I teach a monthly group class titled "Adult Beginners 2 - Piano for Younger and Older Adults" as well as individual private lessons. If you would like to schedule a free 15-minute trial, please visit my Lessonface profile to get started.

Sincerely, 

Beverly Cashin