MMED 614 Rhythmic Development Through Drumming & Dance

3 credits 45.0 hours
600 level graduate course

Rhythms are usually taught by counting, putting the foundation of the rhythm in the brain. For a rhythm to be performed accurately, it must be felt - with the foundation in the body. This course is a hands-on approach to understanding and expressing rhythms with the body. Utilizing drumming and dancing traditions from Cuba, Brazil, and Ghana, ‘Rhythmic Development Thought Drumming and Dance’ guides teachers through many fun ways to teach rhythms through movement. Emphasis is placed on keeping a steady beat, without which, all attempts at performing rhythm would be futile. Enjoyment and fun are the other emphases, for if students are having fun they are more likely to retain what they are learning. Different cultures teach music in different ways. By experiencing how rhythms are taught in India, Ghana, and other countries, teachers will have many more options in the classroom for teaching rhythms. In addition to rhythm, different cultures are explored via their indigenous rhythms. Geography, history and foreign cultures are an important part of a student’s musical education. Often times, students don’t know much about their own heritage. What better way for students to learn about themselves than through rhythms and musical styles of their ancestors? Participants in this class will learn how to recognize, transcribe and perform rhythm at home, and teach rhythm to others. What to bring: Participants should bring a small rhythm instrument.

This course is not repeatable for credit.