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from the series: The Heart of the Matter: Rhythm Subdividing a beat is not such a formidable task to experience and understand. Many of the words we use are made of polysyllables (that one has five!). Our names and the names of towns and states are excellent examples of the way language subdivides a pulse. Anyone can say Mississippi Cowboy or ...

When one first reads the question posed for this month's column, an initial reaction is that the question may be a loaded one. Or perhaps the reaction is: "Obviously, from the very beginning." However, the intent of the question is neither to trick the reader nor to state the obvious. Rhythm does, indeed, become one of the major considerations as w...

Onw of the finest musicians I know, a world-famous teacher/ performer, says, "Flexibility and nuance make music human. Without them, music becomes mechanical." This idea is also expressed when Nelita True speaks of making like things different. I find that most of my young students are wonderful imitators. They delight in following my example,...

Although the steady pulse is fundamental to the concept of rhythm, the lilt and forward movement of rhythm is created through the variety of note values. Dotted rhythms are vital to our rhythmic experience. Folk tunes, patriotic songs, hymns, and Christmas carols are replete with dotted rhythms because of the life they give to the rhythmic flow. Th...

Movement in music occurs on many levels. It can be felt in one's body as a conscious - or unconscious - physical response to a vibrant march, a soothing lullaby, or some other sort of music. It can be studied through a consideration of issues related to pulse, rhythm, phrase structure, phrase shape, and musical form. And, in teaching, physical move...

​ Marvin Blickenstaff is Professor of Music at Goshen College (Indiana) where he teaches applied piano and courses in piano pedagogy and music literature. With Louise Bianchi and Lynn Freeman Olson, he co-authored the series Music Pathways (Carl Fischer Publishing Co.). What Kind of Counting Do You Use With Beginners… and Why? by Marvin Blickenstaf...