Don't Count Me Out

Steve Raybine:

Blog #44:

Don't Count Me Out

In music, accurate counting is all-important! Musicians that do not count correctly and accurately will consistently make unwanted errors within the music. So, how does someone develop counting skills that are precise? Initially, I would recommend counting out loud in conjunction with a metronome, which will provide a consistent beat or pulse. The metronome will force you to not rush or drag when you are counting and playing. Later on, counting internally should be sufficient when used with the metronome. Then, it is important to develop and maintain an awareness of the time values specific notes and rests receive in 4/4 time signature for instance and be precise when executing them.

I have seen several persistent counting errors develop with a variety of students over time. Firstly, let's discuss the inherent problems associated with quarter notes and quarter-note rests. In 4/4 time signature (common time), quarter notes and quarter rests receive one (1) beat of time value. The common error is to give the quarter notes and rests only1/2 of a beat or the value of an eighth note. You must count one complete beat (1-and) when playing a quarter note or accounting for a quarter-note rest. Again, developing an awareness of the time allotted to a quarter note and/or rest and counting accurately in a consistent manner will prove successful.

The next most common counting error involves the half note and half-note rest. In 4/4 time signature, students tend to rush through a half note and treat it like a quarter note, which receives only one beat. Remember this: the half note and half-note rest should receive two complete beats of time value (1-and-2-and). Again we see the inaccurate tendency to give the notes and their rests only half of their value. Don’t rush through note-and-rest values--maintain your composure and your mental focus and count accurately!

There are numerous other counting errors than arise in a variety of time signatures using various note and rest values. Just remember: when you make a mistake in counting, it’s a mistake that is no different than playing the wrong note(s)—they’re all unwanted errors. Counting inaccurately is a mental error. So, stay mentally sharp and avoid those common mistakes.

Copyright 2003 Steve Raybine

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