The Arizona State Music Teachers Association is holding their annual state convention, The ASMTA Conference 2012 at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak in Phoenix from May 31, 2012, through June 2, 2012. You can see more at http://www.asmta.org/conferences.php
This year the ASMTA Conference is starring some big presenters, among them is the renowned Piano Teacher Daniela Clapp, who will introduce a whole new era in piano teaching, on Saturday June 2nd. from 2:45-3:45pm.
Daniela Clapp teaches children with Down syndrome how to play piano, and how to use the piano as a new form of therapy. This is a new and effective way to help kids with Down Syndrome and advocate for them. Daniela Clapp is presenting her teaching methods to all music teachers at the Arizona State Music Teachers Association Conference 2012.
For more information and to see the conference schedule go to: http://www.asmta.org/conferences.php or contact Daniela Clapp directly at info@danielaclapp.com or here at this website.
Got Rhythm?
Rhythm is the key element in music; it is what drives the music forward, like the gasoline of a car. The word rhythm comes from the Greek word ‘Rhein’ and means to flow. Rhythm happens when notes or sounds start and end. Some say that rhythm is the most important ingredient in music, because you can mix together any sound, but if there is no flowing rhythm, there is no music.
Why Does Rhythm Matter?
Rhythm does not just exist in music, but it is everywhere: the ebbing and flowing of the ocean, the planets orbiting the sun, night and day, speech, running, walking; the seasons have rhythm: spring, summer, autumn and winter; our own heart beats in a rhythm.
The rhythm section is the backbone of the band, just like our rhythmic routines are the backbone of our lives. Compare rhythm to the rails of a train. They provide a seamless track. If the rails are bad, the train can’t move forward. Same with music, if the rhythm is bad, the music falls apart. That is why musicians call a performance that fell apart a train-wreck.
Those are good reasons why practicing rhythm is so important, and should be part of the daily practice routine.
Rhythm is Here and There and Everywhere
Rhythm is vital, because when we understand it, we can understand ourselves. Everything that is beautiful has rhythm and order. Even infants and toddlers make up their own rhythmic patterns with their rattles and toys. But as we get older, and our lives become more and more fast paced, we become more and more out of sync with our natural internal rhythms. But rhythm is so important to our health.
Our internal rhythms, like our heartbeat, breathing, the rhythm of our thoughts, have a big impact on our lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Same with external rhythms, like day and night, the seasons, our actions, all shape our lives.
It has been discovered that percussion instruments, and yes, the piano is considered a percussion instrument, reinforce the principals of focus, perseverance, and victory. By playing a percussive instrument, such as a drum or the piano, the body’s natural disease-killers and antioxidants are increased. These very principals are fundamental for a successful and healthy life.
Rhythm creates order out of chaos!
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