How to "Du De": The Gordon/Froseth Rhythm Syllable System Explained

Summary

The video script introduces the syllable system developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon, James Froth, and Albert Blazer, which revolutionizes rhythm counting in music by focusing on feeling rhythm rather than counting. It organizes rhythm into a language, independent of notation or music theory, and explains the concept of macro beats and micro beats in duple and triple meters. The system allows for the same rhythm pattern to be notated in various ways, emphasizing the auditory experience over traditional counting methods.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The syllable system is a rhythm counting method that focuses on feeling rhythm rather than counting it.
• 📚 Developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon, James Froth, and Albert Blazer, this system is used by musicians and music teachers to understand rhythm better.
• 🌐 It organizes rhythm into a language that can be spoken without the constraints of notation or music theory.
• 📊 Rhythm has two primary layers: macro beats (big beats) and micro beats (little beats).
• 🔄 Macro beats are the pulse of music and can be divided into two or three parts, which are micro beats.
• 🎵 Micro beats indicate the meter of the music; two micro beats indicate duple meter, and three indicate triple meter.
• 🗣️ Duple meter macro beats are chanted as 'do' regardless of the time signature, and micro beats as 'do day'.
• 🎵 In triple meter, the macro beat is chanted as 'do do do', and micro beats as 'do do', irrespective of the time signature.
• 📝 The syllable system allows the same rhythm pattern to be notated in various ways based on how it is felt.
• 🔍 Further division of the beat uses the syllable 'T' for macro beats and micro divisions.
• 🎼 The sound of a rhythm pattern does not change even when notated in different time signatures, emphasizing the importance of feeling over notation.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video script provided?

The focus of the video script is the syllable system developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon, James Feierabend, and Albert Blazer, which is a rhythm counting system for musicians and music teachers based on feeling rhythm rather than counting.

How does the syllable system differ from traditional counting methods in music?

The syllable system differs by focusing on how rhythm is felt and organizing it into a language, rather than relying on counting, notation, or music theory.

What are the two primary layers of rhythm according to the syllable system?

The two primary layers of rhythm are big beats (macro beats) and little beats (micro beats).

What is the significance of macro beats and micro beats in the syllable system?

Macro beats represent the pulse of music and can be divided into micro beats, which indicate the meter of the music, such as duple or triple meter.

How is the macro beat chanted in different meters?

In duple meter, the macro beat is chanted as 'do' regardless of the time signature, while in triple meter, it is chanted as 'do do do'.

What do micro beats indicate in the syllable system?

Micro beats indicate the meter of the music, with two micro beats indicating duple meter and three micro beats indicating triple meter.

How are micro beats chanted in duple meter?

In duple meter, micro beats are chanted as 'do day do day' regardless of the time signature.

What is the purpose of the syllable 'T' in the syllable system?

The syllable 'T' is used for further dividing the beat into divisions, allowing for more detailed rhythmic expression.

How does the syllable system handle rhythm patterns with different time signatures?

The system organizes rhythm patterns based on how they are felt and audiated, allowing the same pattern to be notated in various ways without changing the sound.

What is the importance of the syllable system in music education?

The syllable system provides an organizational framework for conveying musical thoughts, enhancing the understanding of rhythm and aiding in the teaching and learning process.

How does the syllable system approach rhythmic divisions in triple meter?

In triple meter, rhythmic divisions are chanted with the syllable 'do' for macro beats and 'do do' for micro beats, with further divisions using the syllable 'T'.