Musicians know that ear training is needed in order to obtain the ability to identify intervals, chords, pitch, keys and so on, but they might not always realize that it can play a part in improving one’s rhythmical sense as well. Rhythm recognition is actually one of the central parts of most ear training programs.
After all, rhythm is perhaps the most basic component of music. Almost all music, regardless of genre or origins, is characterized by some kind of rhythm. Some music is purely rhythmical; in other words, even when there isn’t an identifiable melody, if there’s a rhythm, it’s music. So, since rhythm is an integral part of music, and the ears are needed to experience it, it stands to reason that ear training ought to include rhythm training, so that musicians can fully understand and utilize rhythm.
Rhythm aural skills exercises generally involve the learner either creating a rhythm along particular guidelines (for example: create a quarter-note beat in 4/4 time), or reproducing one from a recording, using his or her hands, feet, voice, or all of the above. Over time the rhythms involved can become more complex, to the point that the learner is comfortable with rhythms of all kinds.
This means that, yes, even drummers can use aural skills. The rhythmical aspect of aural skills will give musicians the ability to recognize and reproduce the rhythms they hear, for playing and/or transcription purposes. Guitarists and pianists are also in particular need of rhythm-related skills, as they’re equally responsible for keeping time, and they need to be aware of the varieties of rhythmic patterns that can be applied in a given musical context.
In jazz situations, every musician needs to be able to respond to changing rhythms. Ear training will bring with it the confidence to make these flowing, instantaneous changes. Ear training isn’t just about pitch. No matter what sort of music you’re playing or the level at which you’re playing it, ear training for rhythm is highly recommended. Rhythm is something that all music has in common, and it’s something all musicians need to have a handle on.
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