5 Counting with metrical gestures and rhythm sticks

Summary

This video introduces a rhythm chart technique for teaching metrical gestures, specifically for counting beats in music. The instructor explains the difference between 'laws' (short beats) and 'longs' (extended beats), demonstrating how to count using hand gestures or rhythm sticks. The lesson includes examples of how to count simple and extended rhythms, transitioning from Gregorian chant to more modern note values like quarter and half notes. The video also shows how to use smooth and ridged rhythm sticks for counting, providing a hands-on approach to learning rhythm and timing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Metrical gestures are used to count rhythm, with the flat of the hand or index finger marking time.
• 😀 The 'law' gesture represents a regular beat (a straight line), while the 'long' gesture indicates an extended beat (a straight line with a dot).
• 😀 The counting system transitions from Gregorian chant (where each dot adds a full beat) to modern rhythm notation, such as quarter and half notes.
• 😀 The rhythm counting method can be applied through hand gestures or rhythm sticks, depending on the teaching context.
• 😀 A smooth rhythm stick is used for tapping out 'law' beats, while a ridged stick is used for rubbing out 'long' beats.
• 😀 In rhythm stick counting, 'law' is tapped and 'long' is rubbed, providing tactile and auditory feedback for students.
• 😀 The hand gesture for 'long' beats extends the movement and is a visual representation of the extended sound duration.
• 😀 Each rhythm example follows a progressive pattern, starting from basic beats and advancing to more complex ones, such as 'la long long long'.
• 😀 The method provides an easy way for students to practice rhythm while reinforcing the connection between physical motion and sound duration.
• 😀 The counting system is useful for teaching both beginners and more advanced rhythm concepts in music education.

Q & A

What does the term 'law' refer to in the script?

In the script, 'law' refers to a straight line representing a basic beat or sound. It is a standard rhythm unit.

How is a 'long' different from a 'law' in the rhythm chart?

A 'long' is represented by a line with a dot after it, indicating that the sound should be extended for an additional beat, whereas a 'law' is a single, unextended beat.

What is a 'metrical gesture' and how is it used in the lesson?

A 'metrical gesture' is a hand movement used to count beats. It can also be referred to as a 'counting gesture,' where the flat of the hand and the index finger are used to indicate the passing of time in rhythm.

What is the significance of the dot after a line in the rhythm chart?

The dot after a line indicates that the sound should be extended for an additional full beat, turning a 'law' into a 'long.' This is similar to Gregorian chant notation where dots extend the duration of notes.

How does the rhythm gesture technique apply to Gregorian chant?

The rhythm gesture technique is similar to Gregorian chant counting, where each dot adds an extra beat to the previous one. This allows for a smooth transition to more complex rhythms like quarter notes and half notes.

What materials are used for counting rhythm in this lesson?

The lesson suggests using rhythm sticks, where one stick is smooth and the other is ridged. The smooth stick is used to tap 'laws,' and the ridged stick is used to rub together for 'longs.'

How do rhythm sticks help in learning rhythm?

Rhythm sticks are used to visually and physically represent the different beats. Tapping the smooth stick for 'laws' and rubbing the ridged stick for 'longs' helps reinforce the counting of rhythmic patterns.

What is the role of the hand in counting the rhythm patterns?

The hand is used as a counting gesture, where the index finger counts the time, and the flat of the hand marks the beats. This physical gesture aids in keeping track of rhythmic patterns, especially in the context of Gregorian chant.

What does the example 'la long, close' demonstrate?

The example 'la long, close' demonstrates a rhythm where the first 'la' is followed by an extended 'long' beat, and then the sound is closed or stopped after the long beat.

What is the importance of the 'close' in these examples?

The 'close' signifies the end of a rhythm or sound, marking the conclusion of the counting or a full measure, allowing the rhythm pattern to stop and reset before beginning again.