I posted a blog a while ago of a quote from a book called Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing by Joseph Lhevinne (below).
Nothing puts me in a worse mood than the student who does not play in rhythm, because rhythm is spirit in music, the most human thing in music…
It is very hard to teach rhythm. It must be felt. It is contagious to a certain extent…
Duet playing, with a strong, vigorous musical individual, is one of the best ways in which to “catch” rhythm as one might catch the measles. Rhythm is infectious.
I am a woman on a quest to teach rhythm.
When I first started teaching piano as a college student, I spent so much time teaching reading notes, but didn’t spend a lot of time teaching rhythm. I probably didn’t know how to teach rhythm back then because as it’s stated, IT IS VERY HARD TO TEACH RHYTHM.
These days, I put a lot of time developing the sense of inner rhythm in my students. It is totally worth it because music played with rhythm (even with wrong notes) is so much more pleasant to listen to than the other way around.
In this series of blog that is going to be called “Rhythm Tips”, I’ll be sharing a few different methods and tools I use to develop the sense of rhythm during my lessons.
Today is a picture of the “Secret Rhythm Code” students were required to enter the studio. My fellow teachers, think of ways to delight your students with a little surprise here and there. And if that surprise is the privilege to enter the studio and take lessons, even better!
Kristina Lee Music 