understanding rhythm in music?

Question

I've played the violin for 7 years and I'm a good player, I'm first chair in the two orchestras I play in.

I have one major flaw, Since i began i just relied on others for rhythm and counting. I have no sense of rhythm, i cant read it, and i cant convert notes into any rhythmical patterns. Can some one suggest me a website to learn this, also, i cannot get a teacher, i cannot afford one right now.

Answer 1

Oh man, this is one battle that is REALLY hard to fight and I'm purely speaking from personal experience. I could read rhythms, but had hell of a time playing them steady. It is a problem that has plagued me 16 years later, although, for the most part, it's DRASTICALLY improved. You just have to be willing to work 10 times harder....and it will pay off if you are patient with yourself (I know, easy to say, hard to do). You may want to try www.musictheory.net as I think they have rhythm exercises.

A suggestion I have is to go back easier works you know well, write out the rhythms, and TALK them out using a metranome (which is an absolute must have for ANY musician). There's nothing wrong with talking out eighth notes as "1 and 2 and" or 16ths as "1 e & a." Don't even worry about the notes for the time being...just work on the rhythms. Once you're more comfortable with that, then start adding the note names.

Another way to think of rhythm is to think of words that match the "syallables" of the written notation. For example, "concentration" can be used for 4 16th notes, "apple" for 2 8th notes, "marmalade" for an 8th note triplet, etc. The other suggestion I have is subdividing..breaking everything down in half. I usually find it helpful to turn down the tempo on the metranome to one one that will easily let me play the exerpt or piece where the 8th note gets the beat...or even the 16th note. That way, I'm able to calm down, and not freak out over having the "black note fever." I personally believe that our insecurity with rhythm may partially be due to our brains over-reacting. We freak out because we know rhythm is a struggle and DESPERATELY want to hide it or "cover up" for it without looking like an idiot. We want to break our rhythm habits, and bust our butts on it, but often times feel like we're hitting a wall. So, if you can have your mind relax, your body has a better chance to feel the rhythm, which gives you a better shot in playing the rhythm correctly.

Do you do any type of dance? If not, I'd highly suggest it because it's an EXCELLENT way to help develop your inner sense of rhythm because you're moving to a beat. Jazz/hip hop or even tap would be great for this. Even if you can't take a dance class, practice walking (or clapping) to the beat at home with the metranome on...something to get you moving to start internalizing the rhythm. Try walking or clapping the beat while saying the rhythms. That way, you'll be much more likely to catch yourself when you get off...if you can find out where/how you generally get off, that's a huge step in the right direction.

Good luck and hope this helps

Answer 2

To me, rhythm is like mathematics. You take some rhythms you don't know and then you analyze them a beat at a time and join the whole bar together. I think playing alot of music works cause you get to see many different rhythms so when you see it again you'll know how it is like.

Answer 3

http://www.musictheory.net/

Also the Alfred music publishing company puts out a great series of music theory books.

Answer 4

Give jfluter the best answer!!!

Excellent answer and advice!!!!!!!!!!!