Description

Reading & Syncopation was written to help the beginning to intermediate level reader recognize and interpret common rhythms. Many of the rhythms include their enharmonic counterparts (rhythms that sound the same but are written differently). The practice suggestions and applications presented in the videos will help you apply these rhythms in different styles. Practice with a metronome at various tempos 60-120.

Rhythm is the percussive or non-melodic sounds within a song which do not necessarily have specific notes or chords, but exist to define the impact points and beat structure of the music.

Syncopation involves a variety of rhythms which are in some way unexpected. More simply, syncopation is a general term for a disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm or placement of rhythmic stresses and/or accents where they wouldn’t normally occur.

Syncopation is used in many musical styles, and is fundamental in styles such as jazz, blues, funk, gospel, reggae, dub, hip hop, rock etc. “All dance music makes use of syncopation and it’s often a vital element.”  In the form of a back beat, syncopation is used in virtually all contemporary music.

In this course you will learn how to;

• understand and execute rhythm in various ways; drum set concepts or systems for realizing the rhythms, stylistic approaches, and techniques for playing rhythm & syncopation effectively in diverse music settings
• identify and understand various signs and marks used in music notation
• orchestrate and realize rhythm and syncopation as grooves and fills around the drum set in a few different styles (genres)
• strengthen your ability to play various rock and funk styles
• gain greater independence and freedom by playing accents and syncopation over various ostinatos