Give me counting exercises

[ranniks]

Please......I think I can handle 4/4 time, but 3/4 time or 2/8 time, I can't.

Are there any basic exercises I can do everyday to improve counting while playing? I seem to have the inability to concentrate on both playing, counting and listening the piano and/or a drum beat added in the background.

[lilla]

There are lots of approaches. Based on the repertoire you have listed, I would think working with scales would be beneficial.  The most important part of counting, is feelng the pulse within your body.  Practice this any time you're listening to music, or any time a melody runs across your mind.  When you go to practice, set your tempo by counting one or two measure before you begin.  Feel it!  You can play a 1-octave scale in 4/4 time, giving a little more emphasis to the first beat (the downbeat).  Can you play multiple octaves?  If so, play 2-octave scales counting 8th notes.  3-octave scales counting 3/4 time.  (We usually count triplets, but you can use 3/4 time until you're feeling good about it.  4-octave scales at 16ths (1e+a). 

If you're having trouble, try tapping LH on your lap, and playing with your RH.  Then play LH only on the downbeats, but RH normally.  Then try HT.  Does this work?  (This is also a traditional way to learn jazz rhythms.)

Does this sound like something you could work on?  If not, you can look for rhythm flashcards online, and practice tapping, clapping, playing.  Look for short patterns and count at the different time signatures.  Try creating dotted rhythms (you can play scales this way as well.)


So, is there anything here that is helpful?  Hope so.

[j_menz]

Please......I think I can handle 4/4 time, but 3/4 time or 2/8 time, I can't.

Are there any basic exercises I can do everyday to improve counting while playing? I seem to have the inability to concentrate on both playing, counting and listening the piano and/or a drum beat added in the background.

Count while you're not playing. Go for a walk, and step out in various time signatures. Drum them with your fingers, hands or feet.  That way you learn how they feel, gets them into the fibre of your being. Then, when your at the piano, they'll come much more naturally - and there will then be times that you don't even have to consciously do it.

[ranniks]

Thanks both of you! I'll try it out and if I have more questions about counting I'll post them here.

[stephenv]

I will strongly recommend this book by Angela Diller:  The Splendor of Music.
In it this master teacher from the past, gives a whole chapter on counting.

Not only does she give us the basics of counting..She includes the "upbeats" or how a phrase truly begins in a piece.  For example...lets say a piece is written in 3/4 time.  1, 2, 3 quarter notes per measure, devided into however the notation goes.

ok...that piece may not be a straight forward 1, 2, 3...the strong beat may come on the 2 OR the 3!   TWO ..one two three....or THREE one two three.   UPBEATS...Pulse of the music. 

this is an example of her approach...wonderful..and all encompasing...you'd profit tremendously from working with her approach to rhythm.

and I'm sure your chances of internalizing the rhythm could increase dramatically!   

the book:  The Splendor of Music is listed on Amazon ..and I believe sometimes Amazon has her other books...a series of 4 or 5 books on Harmony...which include information on counting.

DO TRY IT