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Sound Formation Method™ Percussion Level 1
This course is ideal for students and professionals studying the SFM. If you are an educator interested in studying the method visit here.
•Prerequisites: None
•Length: 62 pages
•Edition: 3rd Edition
This 3rd Edition workbook is an essential tool for all instrumentalists in understanding and mastering not just rhythm but musical feel and groove. There are detailed explanations of principles of movement, principles of groove, and how to rapidly develop a rhythmic vocabulary that’s transferable across all instruments and voice. This book introduces The Rhythm Compass™, an essential tool for understanding the exact mathematical aspect of rhythm, its cyclical nature, and the ability to visualize rhythms instantly with shapes when hearing them, also known as PERFECT RHYTHM, the rhythmic equivalent to perfect pitch. This book is the first in Madigan’s comprehensive theory of rhythm.
Because rhythm is taught in a cyclical manner with shapes using The Rhythm Comapss™, you’re able to actually build a rhythmic vocabulary from day 1. This rhythmic vocabulary is the exact equivalent to learning scale degrees, intervals, and chords and how they interrelate. Rather than starting in the incorrect place with time signatures, measures, and long tones, this method starts with the appropriate place of SUBDIVISION and even microtiming (smaller than subdivisions). In this way you learn to calibrate your rhythms to create perfect alignment with yourself and other musicians and thus gain more CONTROL.
There is a tremendous amount around how to actually get real results in your playing vs. simply studying rhythm. Principles of movement are addressed which dramatically enhance your rhythmic perception and the tone you create on your instrument. The internalization of rhythm and ability to practice AWAY from your instrument is invaluable. One of the things we hear most from students is their ability to practice mentally whether traveling on a plane, relaxing, or simultaneously while listening to music in the car.
In the SFM the starting point is not in 4/4 or any other time signature. Studying at the level of subdivision is like learning individual letters, then syllables, before moving on to words and sentences which are the equivalent of measures. Because of this training, you’ll learn to hear on multiple levels simultaneously (see Level 4). You can download the study showing rhythmic improvements in reading, proficiency, and ear training from a five-week course studying the SFM with Curtis Madigan and Dr. Gisbert from the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver on this page. You must take action if you want to change your rhythm. This method is designed to deliver results and not to just be a book with interesting concepts.
This book is the perfect guide to start your journey in music or unveil mysteries of rhythm for professionals and more advanced players. It is simple and to the point. This book is the first in a method that works sequentially from absolute beginner through advanced levels of mastery. Recommended use is with a Sound Formation Method™ certified teacher.
About the Author
Curtis Madigan is a music education visionary and has created a revolutionary new music system. After graduating from Berklee College of Music and performing with notable artists, he wanted to share the knowledge he developed with aspiring musicians as well as professional musicians.
Check out the Level 2 Workbook
This book is the second in an integrative system for mastering rhythm. This book teaches how to understand rhythm using sequences, operations, symmetry, exponents, factors and more.
Check out the Level 3 Workbook
This book is the third in an integrative system for mastering rhythm. This book teaches how to understand rhythm using binary numbers, reflections, rotations, symmetry, exponents and more.
Check Out the Level 4 Workbook
This book is the fourth in an integrative system for mastering rhythm. This book teaches how to understand rhythm using binary numbers, multiplication cycles, rhythmic melodicism, exponents, and more.
Check Out the Level 5 Workbook
This book is the fifth in an integrative system for mastering rhythm. This book teaches how to understand the relationship of polyrhythms and hemiolas, syncopated hemiolas, displaced hemiolas, neighboring syncopations and more.
