Rhythm, Ear Training, Technique and Theory

Rhythm, Ear Training, Technique and Theory

By Paul Howard, Owner PHVMS

Learning to play music takes motivation and dedication. It can also be frustrating and there is a lot of delayed gratification. But it is also one of the most joyful, satisfying and challenging endeavors one can engage in. People enjoy music at many different levels and for many different reasons. It is a profession, a hobby, a great hang and a stimulating experience for people of all ages and abilities. As you are attempting to improve and learn to be a better musician keep in mind that your learning and progress takes place in four different areas. These areas are: Rhythm, Ear training, Technique & Intellectual/Theoretical knowledge.

Rhythm: The primal force of all music, rhythm drives music in all its forms. Whatever you are working on, be it songs or exercises, always strive to keep good rhythm. Slow and steady is better than fast and erratic.
Ear training: Many great musicians have learned all they know by ear. Make sure as you learn scales and chords to get things into your ear. Attempt to learn things off recordings by ear as much as possible. Transcribe (write down) things as much as possible. Learn to recognize intervals and chord qualities by ear.
Technique: Every instrument requires a knowledge of how the instrument works. How your fingers make notes or how your mouth blows a horn etc. This is the area where a lot of instruction or observing and reading can help. Slow, careful practice is usually essential and an awareness of problems is important so adjustments can be made.
Intellectual/Theoretical Knowledge: This is the nuts and bolts of music. How music is structured, why things go together the way they do. What are the conventions of harmony and scales etc. This is the lingo and understanding of what one is doing and includes reading notation/tablature.

As you work on your music, if you have difficulty, try to determine which area the difficulty lies in. Is your rhythm bad? Does your technique need improving? Are you not hearing what is happening? Do you not understand what to do or how to read notation or why something works? Being aware of these things can help you to make improvements in your playing and make better progress. Ok, it’s time to practice, maybe I’ll learn a song off that new album I just downloaded………..