teaching with chopsticks and a rhythm clock

authors

paula telesco

abstract

when teaching rhythm, it can be difficult to convey the concept that beats are not just attack points but have a full duration, which can be divided into many parts; it can also be difficult for students to understand how those divisions and subdivisions do or do not coincide. i have created a number of rhythm clocks (attached) that include color-coded ta ka di mi syllables (red) and 1 ee and uh counting syllables (blue) to show the division and subdivision of the beat into 2, 3, 4, and 6 parts, and to show simple and compound divisions and subdivisions combined. i also utilize chopsticks to teach aurally one-beat rhythmic patterns; these are demonstrated in the “rhythm tapping patterns” videos, and illustrated in the “illustrated tapping patterns and notation” handout, which includes both a protonotation for students who do not yet read music (or read it fluently), and actual notation, for students who do, and/or for instructors. this material has been designed primarily for beginning students, appropriate for high school ap students, non-music majors, music minors, or students taking remedial theory, but it is also appropriate for demonstrating more complex patterns for more advanced students.

recommended citation

telesco, paula (2019) "teaching with chopsticks and a rhythm clock," journal of music theory pedagogy: vol. 33, article 23.
available at: https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp/vol33/iss1/23