The files that most often get downloaded off of this site are the Rhythm Worksheets. So, I thought I would highlight these for those of you who have not seen them yet.
Rhythm worksheets and other helpful PDFs for teachers are under the Wendy’s Piano Studio tab under the submenu: Teaching Resources. There are 2 sections with rhythm worksheets:
1. Music Progressions Rhythms
This section features a set of 10 levels of rhythms that correspond with the Kansas Music Teachers Association (and the Washington MTA) curriculum called Music Progressions. The rhythms get progressively more difficult, even using two handed rhythms starting in Level 7 and polyrhythms in Level 10.
2. Rhythm Worksheets
These are worksheets that I have created to introduce and drill certain kinds of rhythms. For example, if I am introducing eighth notes to a student for the first time, I will print the eighth note worksheet and have them practice these at home. I use the Eighth Note Worksheet, the Dotted Quarter Note Worksheet, and the 6/8 timing Worksheet the most often in my studio.
You’ll notice in the Rhythm Worksheet section that Levels 1-10 of Music Progressions Worksheets are also found on this page. This is just to make finding all rhythm worksheets easier.
USING THE WORKSHEETS
In my studio, I ask my students to count out loud. So, the usual process for using these worksheets (and a few variations that are effective) is as follows:
- Counting/Clapping. Ask the student to practice counting out loud and clapping the rhythms.
- Metronome. If they are able to do this well, ask them to use the metronome while they are counting and clapping (usually set at 72).
- Cool Sounds. If they complete this successfully, ask them to find a “cool sound” on the piano and play the rhythm with that sound, counting out loud and with the metronome.
I like to encourage students to use sounds other than 3rds, 5ths, and triads, though we’ll often start with those intervals especially if that is the focus of that week’s lesson. To me, a cool sound might be a cluster, a tritone, or any number of notes that just sound interesting together.
Since this is the most often accessed part of the site, I have a questions for you: What other kinds of rhythm drills would be most helpful to you?
#1 by Mindy - February 8th, 2010 at 22:53
Thank you for those Rhythm Sheets. I have downloaded all of them and plan to use them in my studio. The interesting sounds idea is very good; a lot more interesting than clapping!
#2 by Wendy - February 9th, 2010 at 10:08
Hi Mindy,
I’m glad you think they’ll be a help in your studio. I’m always looking for creative things for my students to do to practice the basic skills of piano. Using creative sounds keeps them exploring in what might otherwise be a boring task…don’t hesitate to share any ideas you come up with!
#3 by Dana - February 10th, 2010 at 12:21
Thanks for these sheets, Wendy.
If you have time, I know I could use simple rhythm DUET sheets, like Question/Answer lines but also overlapping rhythms… I have seen your duet rhythm sheets, but they are too hard for the kids I have in mind, and the background quarter note pulse sheet is too easy. What do you think? My students love counting “competition.”
Thanks
#4 by Wendy - February 22nd, 2010 at 12:48
Sounds like fun, Dana. Thanks for the suggestion!