SIGHT READING RHYTHM: Introducing Quarter Note, Quarter Rests & Eighth Notes
The most important element in becoming a proficient
reader is to develop an ability to count precisely while maintaining a
steady tempo. In order to develop this counting method, you should
set the metronome at a slow tempo and proceed to count aloud quarter notes
(or crotchets) then eighth notes (or quavers). It is important to
develop each one separately, making sure that each division is accurate
before incorporating the practice of going from one to the other.
The counting method should be practiced three ways:
a) counting
b) counting
and clapping
c) counting and tapping — alternating hands 'drumming
style': right, left, right, left
1. Quarter Notes (Count= One, Two, Three, Four)
2. Eighth Notes (Count= One-And, Two-And, Three-And, Four-and)
The next important step is to learn the equivalent
rest for every note. Example 3 features quarter rests.
3. Quarter Rests (Count= One, Two, Three, Four)
After practising the individual exercises spend
some time on the following two eight bar studies. These studies will
help you not only develop reading, but also develop rhythm. Make
sure to count aloud and to spend some time practising the studies at different
tempi. Study One incorporates quarter notes and quarter rests,
while Study Two incorporates eighth notes and quarter notes.
Study One
Study Two
If you are interested in further material of this nature please refer to my book 'Sight Reading: The Rhythm Book' distributed internationally by Mel Bay Publications Inc.
Click the following link to vist the book's website therhythmbook.com
© Alex Pertout. All rights reserved. No part of this article
may be reproduced without prior written permission from the author. This article was first published in Drumscene magazine.
|