Learn about and practice rhythms at home with the Rhythm Trainer.

After reading these directions click on the red bar to go the the rhythm trainer website designed by John Blank.

Step 1: start with Mode A. Select 1 quarter note and two eighth notes (the default setting). If this is too easy, gradually add the four 16ths pattern and/or the rest. As you improve you can add the mixed16th with 8th note patterns if you are ready. By 6th grade, mixed 16th with 8th rhythmic patterns are standards. Your goal by 6th grade is to get that far. Select slow mode if the rhythms are too fast for you. Remember to have fun.

Step 2: Now play Mode B to hear the sound of the written notes first.

Step 3: Expand your practice and play the rhythms that you read on Mode B on a percussion instrument. you can play these between each turn and when you hear the sound you can see if you played it correctly.

Step 4: Go back and add more types of notes to the trainer to see how great you can get at reading rhythms.

Don't forget to report back to me what you did.

Click that red bar below