I’m advanced beginner. My rhythm is ok if I know how a piece sounds or can play along w/ another fiddle. I play old time, blue grass and some Irish. Playing solo or with a backing track is hardest. I don’t easily sync the best with the notes and concentrate on one to the distraction of the other. I’ve never had a good lesson in learning to count I guess. Any advice? Thank you.
One thing I'd suggest is that when you play with a backing track, put in one earbud or use earphones on one ear, so you can clearly hear it as well as hearing yourself. Having a consistent bowing pattern is really helpful in keeping the beat, especially if you bow the same phrase the same way each time (and you should know the phrases). Future posts about making your beat physical and knowing the beat notes will also help!
This is fascinating...it reminds me of some of the occupational therapy that my high functioning autistic son received when young, some of which involved "crossing the midline" of the body. Perhaps this cross crawling/crossing the midline training when young is much more important to our functioning; and perhaps an innate sense of rhythm is a big part of that.
A fascinating piece. The illustrations are finely drawn and really bring the topic into focus for me. I really enjoyed reading this and I look forward to more! Thanks, Ed.
Excellent article, and I look forward to more on how to fix this issue.
Thanks, Ed. Will try the one ear bud idea tmmrw. Gary
I’m advanced beginner. My rhythm is ok if I know how a piece sounds or can play along w/ another fiddle. I play old time, blue grass and some Irish. Playing solo or with a backing track is hardest. I don’t easily sync the best with the notes and concentrate on one to the distraction of the other. I’ve never had a good lesson in learning to count I guess. Any advice? Thank you.
One thing I'd suggest is that when you play with a backing track, put in one earbud or use earphones on one ear, so you can clearly hear it as well as hearing yourself. Having a consistent bowing pattern is really helpful in keeping the beat, especially if you bow the same phrase the same way each time (and you should know the phrases). Future posts about making your beat physical and knowing the beat notes will also help!
Rhythm piece both educational and entertaining. Timing is a consistent problem for me. I look forward to your next piece on it. thanks
Feel free to ask specific questions, Gary. I'm glad this piece was interesting!
This is fascinating...it reminds me of some of the occupational therapy that my high functioning autistic son received when young, some of which involved "crossing the midline" of the body. Perhaps this cross crawling/crossing the midline training when young is much more important to our functioning; and perhaps an innate sense of rhythm is a big part of that.
A fascinating piece. The illustrations are finely drawn and really bring the topic into focus for me. I really enjoyed reading this and I look forward to more! Thanks, Ed.