Playing Simple Rhythms

Introduction

When it is time to perform a piece of music in rhythm, keeping a steady beat is likely the most important thing you can do. Perhaps without thinking about it, our bodies keep rhythm in a variety of natural ways. For example, when we walk or run, both require that we keep a steady rhythm to our steps. Likewise, performing most music requires that we keep a steady pulse (the beat) at a certain speed (the tempo). Once we have decided on the beat and tempo, we have to tap into our innate ability to keep the beat steady (just like we do when we walk) to perform rhythmically. We will begin with tapping some simple rhythms along with a metronome.