truth... ] counting out loud and relaxed breathing with good body alignment can allow you to juggle singing on top of the puzzle.

Great video! True for all instruments.

I’ve found that almost all students strongly dislike counting out loud, especially younger ones. How do you overcome this difficulty and make the process more pleasant? Or convince students that borderline refuse to count. I’ve also found that counting all the subdivisions is very necessary for beginning stages of learning since the longer values tend to get rushed. So totally agree.

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

It’s just not optional in my studio. Every student learns to count. I randomly quiz them all the time, haha. I am insanely persistent. I believe that is they key. A student who is resistant to the idea will not invest in it if it seems like it is never called upon, so I call upon it very often. Also, success feels good to all students, and counting is often the fastest path to success in a variety of situations, and so I always work to help students experience that sense of success often. I am totally with you on the use of subdivision.

@minhnguyen690

2 жыл бұрын

@@FlexLessons i wish i knew about this. I think I gave up on counting out because it makes me lose track of where I am at on the sheet. I should have tried harder

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

It’s never too late. I’ll be putting out a lot of examples of different ways to use counting in the future.

@keys6

10 ай бұрын

​@FlexLessons I agree fully... I never used to be able to count out loud (so wasn't willing either!)... been learning 3 years and my new teacher (about 12 weeks now) insisted I count out loud...no option not to!!! I am so glad as I can do so comfortably and oh the benefits... it really is essential and makes learning a new piece easier in the long run!... I subscribed 😊

@FlexLessons

10 ай бұрын

I had a wonderful teacher when I was first at college, and he tried to get me to count out loud but didn’t insist upon it…so I didn’t. Someone really needed to make me!!!

Excellent teaching...thank u...subscribed😊

@FlexLessons

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for subbing! I am glad you find this helpful!

@keys6

10 ай бұрын

@@FlexLessons more than helpful! And absolutely right! Thank you!

Thank you for this, excellent lesson.

@FlexLessons

2 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

interesting Joseph, I had never counted like this. Thank you for the explanation! Really beautiful !

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

This is THE WAY to count, in my opinion. Thanks for the comment!

Excellent video! Firstly clear and concise with appropriate use of technology that does NOT interfere with the message! Also a great explanation and now something I will incorporate into all my practice. More please!

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment and compliment! I will definitely keep this type of content going.

@maximuswilliam318

9 ай бұрын

I am questioning myself if I am the only person who have been struggling learning and counting rhythms using the numbers system 1 2 3 4 | 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 | 1 e and a 2 e and a 3 e and a 4 e and a | 1 and 2 3 4 e and a | I found myself these system is doesn't work for me even though I tried practicing and adapting to it. This system is confusing form me because in this video you showed two pieces with different counting methods In the Polonaise, you count the rhythm, 1 e and a 2 e and a... In the Arabesque, you count the rhythm 1 and 2 and.... like counting rhythms is depending on situation or a piece which makes confusing to me like there is no exact formula to follow unlike on other rhythm counting systems like the Kodaly rhythm syllables which makes me easy to understand. 4/4 Ta Ta Ta Ta | Ta Ta Ti Ti Ta | I am question myself if I am stupid because in the midst of the popularity of the number rhythm counting system and most musicians and music learners could get this and find this easy, then why I can't do it.

As a piano teacher for many years, I was delighted to encounter this informative online lesson on the aspect of rhythmic learning I am passionate about (i.e. counting out loud) I keep saying to my students that until neurosurgeons can perfect a magical brain ultrasound (!), I have no way of finding out what is happening in their heads! I may, myself, use slightly different counting syllables, but I think the basic principles are the same; and you do demonstrate some very useful versions when it comes to counting sections of music containing polyrhythms. In addition to the more mathematical approach, I also use fun lyrics and rhymes to assist in more complicated issues, especially when it comes to ornamentation. There are, of course, loads of other auxiliary exercises that link in and assist the development of rhythm in a piece of music you are learning, and I think you have made reference to some of these when outlining your excellent approach. I just hope that the 'non-believers' will be converted; it all makes great sense. Thank you for your work and very beneficial ideas!

@FlexLessons

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your great comment! Let’s convert the nonbelievers!

You are a wonderful pianist. Lovely touch. Thanks for the tip--rhythm is my weakness.

@FlexLessons

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for saying that. I will be posting quite a bit of rhythm related content in the not too distant future :)

Thanks for the video. My only issue with counting is that I keep going up...7+, 8+ and then throw myself off so I stopped. Maybe I'll just count like this 1+, 1+, 1+ or 1 e + a, 1 e + a and skip going up the measure.

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

That happens a lot of folks, especially in the beginning. Usually it means you need to slow down so you can be more present. I'd definitely suggest sticking with the counting that goes up in each measure if you can.

@wendydune18

2 жыл бұрын

@@FlexLessons Thank you so much for the encouragement.

Great Video, hopefully there will be more young musicians growing up that build good habits! Rhythm was absolutely my weakest skill which became blatantly obvious when I entered Conservatory.... For anyone looking to pursue music full time whether as a hobbyist or full time musician, it is pivotal you count and the earlier in your studies or age you introduce this habit the more dividends will be paid out in the long term. The metronome is not enough, many people use the metronome almost on autopilot and still go out of time, even when using the metronome you should count! Counting is flexible, like you've mentioned in another video you can count with a sharp direct speaking inflection or count while singing the dynamics in the phrase by going up and down in volume on certain numbers with short breathe pauses in-between. It's absolutely better to have a more rigid absolute sense of rhythm and loosen up later in comparison to having a rubato filled performance with no pulse and trying to clean up the rhythm afterwards. I would say a lot of people also have a fear that playing so strict and in time isn't "musical" when actually the musical image comes across generally better and more "musical" when the beat is adhered too and not stretched out so much.

@FlexLessons

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate your comment. It sounds like you have discovered the same sorts of things that I have!

This is a very helpful video but many people (including me) struggle to count while playing in which they probably get confused trying to count and play at the same time even knowing about all the sub-divided notes etc. For example, when I try to play the 8th notes I end up counting them individually like 1 2 3 4 instead of 1 and 2 and. Do you know how to overcome these problems?

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

This sort of thing almost always comes down to speed. There is some tempo where you will be successful, you just have to be very intentional. At a certain point, you cross a tempo threshold and your playing is more habitual as opposed to intentional, so its important to practice under that threshold. You may also want to work on small bits of material at once. Basically, the way to overcome the problem is to not give yourself too much to handle at once, and you can control that through reducing the amount of material, lowering the tempo, or splitting the hands up.

Great video! Once I can play slowly and counting without effort should I speed up keeping on playing counting? Thanks!

@FlexLessons

2 жыл бұрын

Good question! I suggest using counting to get the timing of the piece set, and then practice with no counting at some point and make sure the piece sounds the same with or with counting, even as you approach performance tempo.

I really enjoyed this video and your teaching style. I have been playing piano since my teens and now in my 30s. I learned the basics from a friend’s mother and kind of taught myself over the years. While I can play advanced pieces, I run into a number of problems when the rhythms become very complex. I don’t feel like I properly developed fingering technique and counting of some of the more challenging rhythms. Can you please put together videos that address improving fingering choice & technique? That’d be greatly appreciated.

@FlexLessons

Жыл бұрын

I am glad you enjoyed this video! In the future, I intend to cover things like fingering technique. However, I will admit that this can be highly preferential from pianist to pianist.

How do i move to main pulse. I can still hear the sub-div in my head. Some beats have 8-9 notes in the right hand. Or odd hanging notes like 1ee +aaa . I don't know how people deal with these with out counting. I'm kind of the opposite of what you say. I'm trapped in the subdivisions. ...... I know the answer... practice .

@FlexLessons

Жыл бұрын

It depends on the piece. Provided there is nothing irregular, you can count every other note, and then groups of 4, and ultimately larger groups. I always move through various stages of subdivision in the learning process.

GREAT VIDEO! If you're not willing to learn to count out loud, please find another teacher!

@FlexLessons

8 ай бұрын

Agreed! It is a non-negotiable in my studio.

I'm learning to dance, how do I recognise time signatures and beats in songs where I don't have access to the sheet music? Is that possible? Should I be learning the bpm/sheet music on any classical music I'm dancing to? I'd love a video where you listen to random songs and can identify the beats and time signature just from listening and explaining how you did it

@FlexLessons

2 ай бұрын

That's a pretty cool idea! If you aren't super experienced with classical music, you can still typically figure out if a piece is in 2, 3, or 4 just from listening to where the strong beats are. It might be helpful to know this information about what you are dancing to, especially if you can't hear it.

@kozstandsya1494

2 ай бұрын

@@FlexLessons thanks for the reply! By the strong beat, is that one that's usually louder or held longer than the others? Do you have an example?

@FlexLessons

2 ай бұрын

Louder or emphasized is probably one way of describing it. I would imagine that for dancing, the main thing is to determine if the piece is duple or triple meter. You can do that by counting in 2, 3, or 4 to the pulse until you figure out which of those makes sense with the music, and then situating your movements accordingly. For example, if you listened to a Waltz or Mazurka, you would quickly figure out that these are in triple meter. I hope that helps! @@kozstandsya1494

@kozstandsya1494

2 ай бұрын

@@FlexLessons Thanks for that! I really appreciate it! You could probably incorporate this into your lessons by testing your students to count the pulse (while listening instead of playing) without sheet music in front of them, to solidify that they know it. I'll definitely test myself with this, but I think you've helped me finally understand:)

@FlexLessons

2 ай бұрын

I am so glad! Great idea.@@kozstandsya1494

Awesome video, I have been practicing for about 17 to 18 months and only today I started counting out aloud. 1. It is very hard. 2. I find myself signing while counting, rather than counting to a metronomic ryhthm. Is this normal?

@FlexLessons

7 ай бұрын

It is hard at first! The key is to go super slow and focus on the counting as a first priority. You want to think of the counting as the underlying structure and you sort of "wrap your piece" around it. It's a totally different way of thinking and it will transform you as a musician. What do you mean by signing?

@mwhossaini

7 ай бұрын

​​@@FlexLessons I mean I start singing 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + instead of counting. Also, by doing this I feel like a complete beginner haha will it ever get better? It is very challenging.

@FlexLessons

7 ай бұрын

Singing is helpful! As long as you are singing or speaking the numbers, you are good! @@mwhossaini

I am questioning myself if I am the only person who have been struggling learning and counting rhythms using the numbers system 1 2 3 4 | 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 | 1 e and a 2 e and a 3 e and a 4 e and a | 1 and 2 3 4 e and a | I found myself these system is doesn't work for me even though I tried practicing and adapting to it. Is like I have to be good in math to count rhythms. Is like I have to count rhythms like this 1 + 2 + 3 √4π and use phythagorean theorem and trigonometric functions like and sine and cosine to process rhythms in a musical piece. This system is confusing form me because in this video you showed two pieces with different counting methods In the Polonaise, you count the rhythm, 1 e and a 2 e and a... In the Arabesque, you count the rhythm 1 and 2 and.... like counting rhythms is depending on situation or a piece which makes confusing to me like there is no exact formula to follow unlike on other rhythm counting systems like the Kodaly rhythm syllables which makes me easy to understand. 4/4 Ta Ta Ta Ta | Ta Ta Ti Ti Ta | I feel I am stupid because in the midst of the popularity of the number rhythm counting system and most musicians and music learners could get this and find this easy, then why I can't do it. Is there is something wrong with me? Maybe I am not good in math to process rhythms or Maybe I have no rhythm at all I really need your help That's All Thanks.

@FlexLessons

9 ай бұрын

I totally understand your frustration. MANY students share your frustration. It really is similar to math. Saying the right numbers in the right situation is only half the battle...you then have to make sure that you speak consistently. However, if you go through this process, it will completely change how you learn music (and how fast) and it will significantly improve your sight reading. Solving for the things that you are confused about will make all the difference! In my video, I showed you how you can use different syllables for different ends. However, both of those pieces that you mentioned can be counted using the quarter, 8th, or 16th. If you would like to chat with me about this, feel free to visit my site (www.flexlessons.com). On the bottom right corner of the screen, there is a little chat button where you can communicate with me and I can assist you further. Thanks for your comment! I am sure many others will appreciate it.

@maximuswilliam318

9 ай бұрын

@@FlexLessons I really appreciate your wonderful feedback and I thanked it that it somewhat decreases my frustration on this topic. I would like to thank also for acknowledging my frustration on this. I have a question, you talk about the importance of counting out loud while sight reading, then how about the pitch. What if I get it the rhythms right but I didn't some of the pitches or notes right because of too much focusing on rhythms? I ask this because it seems that this was easy for you but in reality, reading sheet music is hard because we piano players are not like drummers who only read rhythm. We also read the pitches in the score so reading and that is make reading music is so difficult and we need to multi task them all at once while playing. Aside from that, reading sheet music on the piano is difficult as we know that the treble and bass clef have different note labels so we need to consider also these things not only the rhythm.

@FlexLessons

9 ай бұрын

Great questions. In most sight reading situations, the rhythm is the priority over the pitches. I'm not saying that it's okay to get all of the notes wrong, but you can always leave notes out. When you play is prioritized over what you play. Think of the pulse as a series of containers for you to "place pitches in". The rhythm holds the underlying structure of the piece...it is absolutely core to understanding a piece of music. In almost all cases where a pianist cannot "multitask", the pianist is simply playing too fast for the situation. To build this skill up, sometimes you must go crazy slow (and subdivide accordingly). @@maximuswilliam318

@maximuswilliam318

9 ай бұрын

@@FlexLessons Okay! I did it the counting out loud method in my practice right after you replied to me in the comment section. Guess what! It still doesn't work for me and the worst thing is, since I know already the notes in my piece, it made me hit the wrong notes and make mistakes while practicing it again. In short counting out loud, made me practice the mistakes rather to avoid mistakes and develop security in playing. Aside from this, it makes me stop the rhythmic flow and break the groove because when I am counting, I have to pay attention in saying the right numbers. For example you have a measures in 4/4 time signature, you have to say it like this | 1 and 2 3 4 e and a | 1 and 2 and 3 4 | not | 1 and 2 1 2 e and a | 1 and 2 and 1 and 2 because it depends on the time signatures and it must be | 1 2 3 4 | not | 1 2 1 1 | or something in which there is a tendency for me to sound gibberish, inconsistent or like the sound of trying hard to pronounce tongue twister sentences. Lastly, it made my feeling of rhythm robotic and unmusical because as I said you have to think in numbers instead of feeling the groove which I never experience in the Kodaly rhythm syllables which made rhythm very easy for me to understand Ex. Ta Ta Ti Ti Tiki Tiki | Ti Ti Ta-a | which for me, even though there is no pitches, it still sounds groovy and musical. Sorry if I said this due go my frustrations in this rhythm counting system because it doesn't really work fo me but I thank also for your wonderful feedbacks. I have a question, do you also teach ear training and improvisation? or it is more of a sheet music and memorization classical approach? That's all Thanks, Keep up the good work

@FlexLessons

8 ай бұрын

It’s not something you can try briefly and decide that it doesn’t work. You would have to live with it and invest in it for a while. However, it sounds like you already have a working system…no need to change it if you have no issues dealing with rhythm and pulse. To answer your other questions, at this time, I do not teach ear training and improv. Thanks for the comment! @@maximuswilliam318

what if the entire song is on eight notes but the few bars at the last are on sixteenth notes

@FlexLessons

10 ай бұрын

In that case, I would suggest counting 16ths on just that part to learn it, and then switch to 8ths, and then ultimately quarters if the piece goes faster than 60 bpm (or so) = quarter. You can always count 8ths in the parts that have 8ths, and 16ths in the parts that have 16ths, once you have worked out your rhythm.

@ameer6168

10 ай бұрын

​@@FlexLessonsthanks man you just saved me❤ Btw this video is really gold I've watched 10-15 videos around this topic but yours is the most accurate and easy to understand.. Thanks again

@FlexLessons

10 ай бұрын

You are welcome! I am so glad this is helpful to you! More people need to really invest in this skill. @@ameer6168

But, but, but will this create a "metronome" pianist and they loose their creativity. I am an adult amateur piano hobbyist. As an adult, how do you do this and keep your creativity - I can't be a piano player who just plays notes?

@FlexLessons

Ай бұрын

It can! But, if a pianist cannot do this, chances are, they are actually leaving essential musicality on the table. With that said, I did release a video a while back which talks about how to use counting in a more musical way. Perhaps you might find it inspiring! kzread.info/dash/bejne/aap21NWoYNGWoLQ.html