5 replies to this topic

[RhythmBee]

A couple of years ago, I started trying to get teachers to teach rhythm thoroughly rather than resorting to "It goes like this" or some other method of rote teaching.

After two years of development including a solid year of doing nothing but going to work and then "geeking" at home after hours, I have developed a rhythm instruction program that makes use of the latest animation technology to guide each student to see the progression of each rhythmic symbol - each rhythmic pattern - each measure - and each line of music.

I think I have stumbled onto a really important technology that uses visual tempo cues to keep every student on task and obviously in the right place - which we can never do with a printed rhythm sheet. We really can't even be sure their eyes are in the right place on the rhythm sheet. With this innovative program, there is no doubt.

Check it out at RhythmBee.com. There are many - many - many free subscriptions still available. (One in each state - and all you have to do is ask for it.) See the front page of the website for details. No hidden agendas and no "catch" to the offer. EVerything is right there for all to see.

I welcome any feedback and consider direct and frank criticism to be one of the most helpful things a fellow professional can provide.

[Meldog]

Huh?? Teaching rhythm really is not that hard as long as it's done right away and done separately from the instrument and then combined with the instrument. If you took 5 minutes at the beginning of each lesson to do rhythm reading right from day 1 your students would be superb rhythm readers. I personally don't see the need for doing what was mentioned above but I would have to see more on it as I don't quite understand.

[Musical Philosopher]

Meldog, on Dec 30 2006, 07:14 PM, said:

Huh?? Teaching rhythm really is not that hard as long as it's done right away and done separately from the instrument and then combined with the instrument. If you took 5 minutes at the beginning of each lesson to do rhythm reading right from day 1 your students would be superb rhythm readers. I personally don't see the need for doing what was mentioned above but I would have to see more on it as I don't quite understand.

I agree with Meldog. RhythmBee certainly isn't necessary and would probably hinder rhythmic development more than it would accelerate it. This program takes a simple concept and complicates it to the point where no student could possibly comprehend it. RhythmBee, what were you thinking?

[RhythmBee]

Musical Philosopher, on Jan 17 2007, 01:35 PM, said:

I agree with Meldog. RhythmBee certainly isn't necessary and would probably hinder rhythmic development more than it would accelerate it. This program takes a simple concept and complicates it to the point where no student could possibly comprehend it. RhythmBee, what were you thinking?

I am sure you know far more than I, but it is pretty amazing that programs that use the RhythmBee program consistently score higher in sight reading than ever before and surpass many bands that were previously their obvious superiors.

And if what you suggest is true, why do university teachers consistently state that we (school teachers) allow too many students to get to them without solid rhythm skills? I suggest you check things out more carefully before slamming them.

[RhythmBee]

I suggest that a class of any size has many who are counting well and many who are hiding among them. The goal of the RhythmBee program is for EVERY student to be an expert counter.

Taking rhythm as casually as you describe will not result in musicians with a high degree of rhythmic facility.

[Meldog]

I'm taking rhythm reading casually...okay. Considering I have students reading advanced rhythms and then playing them and I took what I do from a school district who has been doing the same exact thing I am doing and is one of the top programs in the state. I never said your system was bad so don't take it that way. I was just offering my thoughts on what I was able to briefly see and using my own experience.

As far as colleges getting kids with very low reading ability, from my observation, it is due to not many teachers are teaching just rhythm. They generally teach rhythm by rote as you mentioned earlier, and that I have found in many school districts I have been with. Many schools I have observed don't spend a little time during each lesson and a little time in band to do just rhythms. It is getting better but still a long ways away.

I commend you on coming up with a system, but don't shoot me down because I do it a different way. There is more then one way to get the same results. You have found a way that works for you and a number of others and I have found a different way in the same regard.

I, just like you, have taken much time and research into how and what I teach. What I do works for me and has had a great success in the other schools that have done it. Before saying anything about what I do, be sure to understand it more before making any remarks of what I do or don't do. This was about what you have going as I didn't give much detail on what I do.

There is more then one way to make everyone in a program an expert counter!!