I have been playing music for a long time, and it is very sad to say that I have trouble counting beats. The only time I can count is if they're all simple notes such as quarter notes and 8th notes, and at a simple time, such as 2/4 or 3/4. I cannot even count 16th notes easily! I try and try, but my mind just cannot do it. I can tap my foot, or bob my head, but my mind just can't say, "1, 2, 3...". Also, I am an Honors Math student, so doesn't music have to do with math? I see many students that are worst at math, but are able to count with no problem whatsoever. Does anyone know how I can fix this? Or if there is a website or book on this, please tell me! Thanks! :]
2007-10-12 10:32:06 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
You have short term memory.
2007-10-12 10:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by James 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It takes practice. I'm a cellist and more note oriented also. Rhythm is hard.
An exercise I would try is to pick a song from your iTunes or CD collection, it doesn't matter what you choose except that you want it to be something you know pretty well.
Then count along with it as you listen. Start easy, with quarters. Then pick it up a notch, and count 8ths, and then 16ths. Don't move from step to step until you have the one you are on mastered. Once you've done 16ths, pick a song you could count in your sleep and try to count it out. Count out loud and accent when the instrument or line you choose is playing. I suggest starting with the base line.
The only real way to get better at counting is to practice, and this is just one way. Also be sure to count whenever you're playing. It will be hard at first, but keep trying until it comes second nature. Eventually you will start to get it.
Good luck! :)
2007-10-12 10:43:05 · answer #2 · answered by CC 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hope I'm understanding you correctly. You are talking about the physical act of saying the numbers "1,2,3,4...." WHILE playing the rhythm. Am I right?
That's almost a coordination issue more than anything. If you can still play the rhythms correctly....say, using a metronome, etc., than this does not affect your playing. However, it is good to develop this ability.
I make my students count OUT LOUD from the very beginning. That way, when they get to the complex rhythms, it is much easier. You're going to have to do some backtracking, though. Pull out a book from when you first started learning to play. Play those oh-so-simple songs while counting out loud. You'll have to do that for a while before you can count out loud with the more difficult rhythms you are currently playing.
You can also listen to music on the radio and try counting along with it. That eliminates the added element of trying to play along with it yourself.
2007-10-12 10:43:27 · answer #3 · answered by piano teacher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can learn how to count music! It took me awhile too- especially with syncopation! You will get better with practice. Get some rhythm exercises (yes, they're boring!) and do them a few minutes each day. Go as slowly as you have to until you get it right, then speed up. I don't know a specific book but your music or band teacher or a music store could probably recommend one. Also if you have to write in the counts (1+2+etc or 1e+a for 1/16 notes) on the difficult passages go ahead (in pencil and if it's ok with your band teacher!) Good luck!
2007-10-13 08:52:53 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never learned to count beats either, and I was one of the best clarinet players in whatever band I was in. I'm assuming that you know how to count 16th notes and such ("1 e and a 2 e and a"). If you don't... go to Amazon or eBay or someplace and buy a book, or just ask someone. Go through your music and count it out before you play it, or as soon as you can. Buy a metronome if you need help staying on beat. To this day I still don't count when I play. Who needs to count when you feel the music?
2007-10-12 10:48:32 · answer #5 · answered by mmm_mandy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Something that I've seen work for a lot of people with the same rhythm problem is listening to a piece of music and counting outloud with it. Do this WHILE tapping your foot, or while a metronome clicks each beat. Also, listening to a metronome as you play will help you get in the habbit of hearing the clicks in your head, and eventually replacing them with numbers. It will just take a LOT of mental training and repetition on your part, but eventually you will begin to feel it.
2007-10-12 13:54:55 · answer #6 · answered by i_come_from_under_the_hill 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's all a matter of feel. If you play music, you obviously feel where a beat begins & ends. Same with eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes etc. - just feel them and don't waste time trying to count. Nobody is going to give you a quiz after the gig.
2007-10-12 15:18:42 · answer #7 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have poor motor skills and don't react on time with the beat, you can follow with your foot tap but you can't "feel" the beat and anticipate the timeing! You need a metronome! Sorry, it's kinda like everyone doing jumping jacks and your arms are apart when everyone elses are together already! Just get a buddy and have them nudge you when you need to join in!
2007-10-12 10:38:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have learnt to read music on my own --well with a little effort from my friends. I found it quite hard too. I was trying to divide the actual time in my head. The thing I find helpful is when i play the keyboard with Auto-Chord on . The beat is set with a Metronome and drum rhythms accompaniment. After a while I began singing with the music,believe me --that really helped me .
2007-10-12 10:40:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For 16th notes try (if you don't already) saying/thinking -
One - a - and - a, Two - a - and - a, Three - a - and - a, etc.
That's how I learned.
2007-10-12 10:36:57 · answer #10 · answered by RT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take a gander at this guy. I have the same problem sometimes. http://www.metronomeonline.com/ goodluck.
also, if music is more than math. sometimes you have to just kinda go with it. don't limit it.
2007-10-12 10:42:58 · answer #11 · answered by Touchdown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋