| Grex > Oldmusic > #132: Learning the Piano |
| response 30 of 42: | 
Dec 23 20:57 UTC 2002 |
Using a metronome seems useful for solo play, to me anyway.
| response 31 of 42: |
Dec 24 08:10 UTC 2002 |
Well, Dan, that's why I suggested tapping your foot along with the metronome. When you take the metronome away, keep tapping. I think physically doing it helps internalize your sense of beat. Or maybe following the flashing light on your electronic metronome might work.. There's also the TAP system.. are Midwesterners familiar with it? It was developed in Bellevue (Seattle area) but I would gather many music majors should have heard of it. The old system involved tapping a button on a machine with a counter that was sensitive to an audio patched tape player. You would tap out rhythms to various recordings.. I remember the theme from Sanford and Son and a selection from Wendy Carlos's "Well-Tempered Synthesizer" being among them. We were stuck with the machines at Central although a company called MusicWare bought the rights and reengineered the system to a software program. You should be able to find it online. It will cost you some money unless you can prove you're a teacher or an educational institution in need of it.
| response 32 of 42: |
Dec 24 14:10 UTC 2002 |
A variation on the "tap along, turn off" method: Pick a recording you know has rock solid tempo. Count or tap along with it while turning down the volume for a few seconds, then turn it back up. Gradually increase the "volume down" time. If you are still on the beat after ten to thirty seconds of silence you are well on your way to developing good rhythm.
| response 33 of 42: |
Dec 24 21:27 UTC 2002 |
(great item)
| response 34 of 42: |
Dec 24 22:57 UTC 2002 |
Isn't it, though? Music in action.
| response 35 of 42: |
Dec 25 01:51 UTC 2002 |
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| response 36 of 42: |
Dec 27 08:21 UTC 2002 |
That's all it takes. And make your practice time count. Other tips: Tape record your practicing, and then go back and listen to it with the music to pick up your mistakes. Play duets with your teacher. There's a lot to be said for ensemble experience, and this is a place to start-- you'll be able to rely on a teacher's strengths somewhat in tempo and continuity.
| response 37 of 42: |
Jan 9 17:53 UTC 2003 |
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| response 38 of 42: |
Jan 9 18:35 UTC 2003 |
C D7 G7 C :-)
| response 39 of 42: |
Jan 9 19:26 UTC 2003 |
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| response 40 of 42: |
Jan 9 19:43 UTC 2003 |
C D7 G7 C is a common chord *progression*. The notes might be thusly: C - G C E G D7 - A C D F# G7 - G B D F C - G C E
| response 41 of 42: |
Jan 9 19:48 UTC 2003 |
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| response 42 of 42: |
Jan 18 00:07 UTC 2003 |
There are some inverted chords there all right.