What Every Music Student Should Know About Rhythm

Beginner and intermediate students have a clear idea of what the music they practice sounds like, but they often have a hard time keeping a steady pulse when playing.

Using the metronome works to some capacity, but for the most part, it creates stress — lets call it what it is.

No matter what music it is, the steady beat, pulse, vibe — whatever you want to call it — is the highest priority when playing music; the notes are secondary.

The pulse is way more important than the notes on the page.

Students think they have to master the notes first before the beat. To some degree that is true, but the perfection of mastering every note tends to get in the way of feeling the pulse of the music.

Next time you’re practicing a piece of music, or even just listening to music, feel the beat and the emotions.

Listen to the music live on YouTube if possible. Musicians on stage are thinking about moving the song ahead at all times rather than perfecting every note.