Teaching Rhythmic Patterns - 9 Tips on How to Teach Any Rhythm
Once pupils have a sense of pulse and simple subdivision then the learning of rhythmic patterns will not be an insurmountable challenge. It is very important to choose your teaching material carefully in the early stages of learning. Rhythmic patterns should be introduced gradually; overloading at this time can be quite detrimental.
When introducing a new rhythm or rhythmic pattern try either the following sequence, or select some elements from it (or devise your own strategy along similar lines). Teachers who merely tell their pupils how rhythms "go" are doing those pupils no favors. Rhythm must be taught thoroughly.
1. Explain the rhythm and relate it to the pulse.
2. Pupil taps the pulse while you tap the rhythm.
3. Pupil taps the rhythm while you tap the pulse.
4. Pupils thinks the pulse while you tap the rhythm.
5. Pupils thinks the pulse and tap the rhythm.
6. Pupil taps the rhythm and vocalizes the pulse - counting beats or simply saying 'Ta', 'Pom' (or any appropriate syllable) for each beat.
7. Pupil sings the rhythm (to 'la' or any appropriate syllable) and taps the pulse.
8. Pupil both taps and vocalizes the rhythm to 'Ta' or 'Pom' (or another syllable).
9. Pupil repeats the above with hands reversed.
Once you get into the idea of these kinds of exercises more will come to mind. Those given above are progressive in difficulty; the co-ordination required becomes more complex. Only go as far as you can with each pupil. Pupils should be challenged but not given tasks that will leave them frustrated and demoralized. All pupils should be able to get as far as point 4; the succeeding exercises should then be introduced and developed gradually.
Remember also the importance of connecting the known to the unknown in the learning process. Complex rhythm can, for example, always be introduced by simplifying them first.
Hani Gamal is a guitar teacher for over 10 years now. He works in two British schools in Cairo - Egypt. He have a large number of students ranging from 7 years to 47!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hani_Gamal