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If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that rhythm is one of my HUGEST (not sure if that’s a word) issues with students.  Maybe it’s because it was a huge issue for me when I was a beginner, so I end up teaching it poorly.  Or maybe it’s a huge issue for lots of beginners.  I really don’t know.

But what I DO know is that I have a fantastic new tool to help students UNDERSTAND and FEEL rhythm.  Have you heard of Animusic DVD’s?

These creative DVD’s use animation and music together to teach some very important concepts. Since rhythm is my current issue, let’s talk about that.

I use the above video or the one below during lessons. I have the student try and find a beat, and then nod her head, clap her hands, or tap her feet to that beat.

The Animusic DVD’s come with a list of Teacher Tips for each video. Some of the items on the teacher’s tips for these videos are: Can you maintain the pulse in your foot while clapping one of the other rhythms in your hand? Can you find the underlying pulse of this piece? Does the use of rests, or silence, in the music make it difficult to find the pulse?

You can also use Animusic DVD’s to help students learn about pitch, melody, dynamics, tempo, mood and expression, and more. These DVD’s are a great thing to have in your studio, especially for use during the summer, when you have time to pay attention to more fun things! For more information, or to buy a DVD (currently on SALE!  Woo hoo!), click on the Animusic button in the center column of this page.

Have you planned what you’re doing this summer yet?