Just as I thought my counting was getting pretty good, I was introduced to fractions. This happens to my Algebra students all the time, and even some of my Calculus students. I would say students make more mistakes with fractions than any other concept in higher math classes. Divide a fraction by a fraction and the whole train has to stop. Add a variable to a fraction, and it is like the fraction suddenly becomes an entirely new concept. In the past this used to be a source of frustration for me. After all, these students are in high school Why don’t they know how to work with fractions?
Turns out the same is true in music. It is taking counting to a whole new level! I have learned that there are 8th and 16th notes (and rumors that there are even dotted 8th notes where you take 1/8 +1/16.) Not only that, but 3/4 time means that there are 3 beats per measure, but the quarter note has one beat. My own kids assure me that this will become automatic, especially the “easy” ones like 3/4. It is definitely not easy for me yet.
Even though I feel like I am very strong with fractions, applying them while playing is a whole new level! I definitely can not put all of the knowledge about the way this works into practice yet; it is an entirely new concept. I am understanding my students more every day while improving my music knowledge.
Here I am trying to play while encountering very simple fractions.
Turns out the same is true in music. It is taking counting to a whole new level! I have learned that there are 8th and 16th notes (and rumors that there are even dotted 8th notes where you take 1/8 +1/16.) Not only that, but 3/4 time means that there are 3 beats per measure, but the quarter note has one beat. My own kids assure me that this will become automatic, especially the “easy” ones like 3/4. It is definitely not easy for me yet.
Even though I feel like I am very strong with fractions, applying them while playing is a whole new level! I definitely can not put all of the knowledge about the way this works into practice yet; it is an entirely new concept. I am understanding my students more every day while improving my music knowledge.
Here I am trying to play while encountering very simple fractions.
I still have one of my kids counting for me through the songs, but am trying to become more independent by tapping my foot. I just really wish my foot could count out loud.