The Best Way to Learn Rhythm

The Sound Formation Method™ contains the world’s premier theory of rhythm. It’s scientifically proven to rapidly improve rhythmic proficiency, rhythmic sight reading, and rhythmic ear training (download the study through the link above). There are eight levels (five of which are currently published) designed for absolute beginners through professionals to the highest levels of mastery:

1. Level 1: Visualizing rhythm, how to conceptualize rhythm, musical feel (rhythmic perception), calibrations (new concept in the SFM), The Rhythm Compass™, scientific principles of rhythm unique to the Sound Formation Method™
2. Level 2: Syncopation (newly defined), elisions (new definition), building a rhythmic vocabulary, mental practice, sequential syncopations, reversions (new definition), perceiving the character of rhythmic shapes, reading and performing rhythms by feel without needing to count, displacements, rhythmic reflections
3. Level 3: Accent displacement, developing perfect rhythm (rhythmic equivalent of perfect pitch), the natural accent, Anatomy of a Groove (new concept), triplet syncopations, triplet reversions, accent displacement within syncopations, creating shapes within shapes, binary thinking
4. Level 4: Equivalent syncopations, rhythmic octaves, identifying syncopations/elisions on multiple levels simultaneously, building a vocabulary of 6/8 or sixteenth note triplet shapes, ability to perceive one rhythmic shape in three time different signatures, meters with varying pulse lengths: 5/8, 7/8, 11/8, 13/8
5. Level 5: Hemiolas (newly defined, refined, and greatly expanded to encompass a vast number of rhythmic patterns): reverse engineering polyrhythms from hemiolas, hemiolas with the same antecedent, proportional ratios in hemiolas, octaves of hemiolas, hemiolas with the same consequent, hemiola shapes, 2:3 hemiolas, 3:2 hemiolas, 3:4 hemiolas, 4:3 hemiolas, syncopated hemiolas, elision hemiolas, displaced hemiolas, relationships of inverse polyrhythms and hemiolas

Tips to Improve your Rhythm

1. Focus on Stability of Rhythmic Timing First. This is done mentally, physically, and sonically. Train yourself to hear stability by repeating one beat slowly at a constant speed, i.e. not getting faster or slower.
2. Metronomes will not necessarily improve your rhythmic timing. What will for sure is rhythmic calibration, biomechanics, and specific types of focus.
3. Vocalize rhythms in a very specific manner that embodies the two aspects of rhythmic movement: discrete/aspirated sounds and the continuous flow. For discrete counting make each word staccato and punchy with a diaphragmatic engagement.
4. Improve your biomechanics, coordination, and stability.
5. Train your ear to hear rhythmic shapes. This is a new technique of rhythmic perception taught in the Sound Formation Method™.