|
John Cipolla Rico International and Yamaha Performing Artist From beginners to professionals, the only sure way to accurately interpret a rhythm is to subdivide. This means to break the rhythm down into a smaller division of the beat. Usually, but not always, half its written note value. You can think of rhythm as having two parts - the actual rhythm which is notated on the page; and the subdivision of that rhythm, which helps us to interpret and execute it correctly. The concept is easy. The smallest note value of the rhythm can be used as the "subdivider". Take, for instance, a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note. The dotted quarters can be thought of as three eighths. Thought of this way, the last eighth note is placed exactly where it should be. In another type of example, a whole note gets four quarter note beats. Therefore, count four quarter notes and the whole note will be placed rhythmically correct. The idea is simply to break down the existing rhythm to smaller units so there isn't as much time between the notes. In my clinics I have the students clap a rhythm while one or two other students simultaneously clap the subdividing rhythm. This enables them to hear the steadiness of the subdivider as well as the accuracy of the actual rhythm. After awhile one may not have to count the rhythms out as carefully,
but |
These established clarinetists have graciously agreed to share their thoughts on clarinet playing. May their words offer inspiration and insight.Artists |
| ©Copyrighted 1999 Rose
Sperrazza Phone: (773)442-5902 |