RHYTHM OMNIBOOK

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

The purpose of this book is to train students to read rhythms using a fairly exhaustive compendium of material encountered in their first 3-4 years of playing. It can be effectively incorporated into a daily warm-up routine in as little as one minute. It is recommended that you utilize all the tools and approaches common to this endeavor, namely: metronomes, subdivision, counting (speaking), clapping, and body movement. 

This book is designed for beginners and fourth-year players alike to begin with exercise 1. The concepts in the early pages are foundational to more advanced rhythms, and experienced players will benefit from their review. 

The author has had third-year players complete the book (120 exercises), while first and second-year players reach certain points. With the start of a new school year, returning students begin again with the first exercise, eager to make it further than the previous year. Again, the early pages are appropriate concept reviews for any level. 

Because the purpose of this book is to train young musicians to read rhythms, the variety of other elements such as key signatures and expression are kept to a minimum. Each exercise is, however, tuneful in its own right with strong tonality and melodic elements. Those concepts will be implanted in students’ musical psyches along the way.  

Despite the book's progressive nature, learners can jump to concepts that reinforce the literature they are preparing.

CONTENTS:

PART 1 (1-5) The Art Of the Release

PART 2 (6-32) Whole, dotted half, half, and quarter notes and rests, ties

PART 3 (33-49) Eighth notes

PART 4 (50-55) Alla Breve (cut time)

PART 5 (56-80)  Dotted quarter notes, 8th rests, syncopation

PART 6 (81-90) Sixteenth notes 

PART 7 (91-96) Triplets

PART 8 (97-101) Swing

PART 9 - (102-109) 6/8, 3/8, etc.

PART (110-120) - Bonus Challenges