Featuring the Sonata in F Major, K. 332 (1st movement) - by Mozart
Piano Q&A on YouTube: Teaching Cross Rhythms - pt 2
In continuing our discussion of teaching those pesky cross rhythms, I will focus on an excerpt from the Mozart Sonata in F Major, K. 332 (1st movement). There is a wonderful passage of 2 against 3 in the first movement that continues for two measures, which is so helpful as the 2 against 3 is repeated 6 times!
In teaching cross rhythms, we all love to use the rhythm words, and often that is my gateway into teaching a student to “feel” the “2 against 3.” Rhythm words are wonderful because they help many students hear the rhythm. Yet, at the same time, the rhythm words don’t necessarily work for every student, which can be a huge challenge for the teacher.
In my teaching, if a student is not “getting it,” or basically the “2 against 3” is not working, then I believe it is my responsibility to come up with another approach in helping them learn and feel these cross rhythms!
I feel a huge responsibility to find what works for each student, and to figure out how each student is “hearing” the rhythm. My goal is to help each student learn how the cross rhythm fits, and help them feel it so that it becomes second nature to them.
The steps outlined below, give more detail into how the rhythm of “2 against 3” fits together. These steps are actually a very useful rhythm lesson!
I have used these steps (as applied to various passages) with many, many students, and I have had great success. If they do a couple of the steps each week, for however long it takes, at some point the cross rhythm starts to feel wonderful. AND IT FITS TOGETHER!
Here are some steps, as applied to this Mozart excerpt (Sonata in F Major, K. 332)
1. Listening
- Isolate one beat of the cross rhythm, and practice that over and over.
- Isolate the two measures of the cross rhythm of 2 ag 3 (mm. 49-50) – 6 beats.
- Practice hands alone (HA) over and over.
- Practice hands together (HT) over and over.
- Remember to make it fit.
- Keep the triplets even.
- Use a lot of repetition.
2. Mathematical/theoretical
- 2 against 3 (2x3=6)
3. Rhythm (counting)
- Count 1-2-3-4-5-6
- Count 1 - 2& - 3
4. Rhythm (together – left - right – left)
- 2 against 3
5. Rhythm words
- Strawberry time
- Not difficult
- WHO parked the car
- George Washington
- Nice cup of tea
6. Cross Rhythms Exercise
- 2 against 3
For examples of the above, please download files below:
Teaching Cross Rhythms - pt 1
Teaching Cross Rhythms - pt 2
Teaching Cross Rhythms - pt 3
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