Rhythm is one of those things that can be hard for some students to grasp at first. I find it best to help students “feel” the rhythm. I didn’t quite understand rhthym until I played with a drummer, so I suggest you pull out some percussion instruments at that next lesson. Use some rhythm flash cards to get your student playing a little tamborine or bongos. They will be super excited to be playing the drums. If you need a little more structure for your rhythm lessons, I would recommend Alfred’s Kid’s Drum Method.
The other thing you can do is incorporate dance. Dancing will get your student literally feeling the beat once and for all. Try learning a few basic salsa or swing moves and teach your kids how to dance and count the beat. You can even add a little music history depending on the dance style you pick. Jazz history for swing dancing, Latin music history for salsa.
Now get shakin’.
by Andi — Sat Dec 29, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
by Michelle P — Sat Dec 29, 2007 @ 5:02 pm