Posted by Brad Leyrer on November 15, 2002 at 09:36:46:
Hi All:
I'm currently a school band director (and tubist). For my graduate program I'm doing research on beginning band students. Specifically I'm looking for information regarding how rhythmic concepts are taught to beginning students (assuming no prior musical study). My research centers around the following: Is it more benificial to teach rhythmic concepts first (ie clapping/counting, etc.) or to teach the student how to play the instrument first (ie sound before symbol). I know most teachers (myself included)teach both concurrently, but my research centers on teaching one or the other first and measuring the students' overall progress as a result.
What I'm looking for is any published research involving the teaching of rhythm to elementary students and/or beginning band members.
Please email off line with any insight or information. Thanks in advance for any help.
Brad