count aloud

1, 2, 3, 4, seems easy enough, right? not really according to almost every one of the students i've ever taught. counting to four can be a hassle when it comes to playing a song.

first, the student is trying to play the right notes, the right rhythms, the right dynamics and now the teacher wants her to count aloud at the same time. this is definitely a skill that requires some effort to perfect, the trick is to get to a point where you don't have to think about it (auto pilot as i say) as quickly as possible.

when you don't count you may think you're playing a rhythm correctly, but you could be totally wrong. counting aloud gives you another 'check point' along the way, if what you're playing doesn't line up with what you're saying you will realise that there is a problem and be able to fix it yourself.

when reading the music we have visual confirmation on what the rhythm looks like but by adding in counting it gives us an audible confirmation as well.

it's hard to explain but i'll leave it at this: when you count aloud you will get the rhythm right more often than when you don't....it's a fact!