Practising a passage using rhythmic variations is a long-standing tradition among pianists. When applied thoughtfully, it can be an excellent way to develop control, accuracy and fluency. However, as is the case with any practice tool – it’s how you do it that really matters! If misused, rhythm practice can lead to mechanical, uninspired playing and even build unwanted tension.
The Purpose of Rhythm Practice
Rhythm practice involves taking a passage of even notes and altering its rhythmic structure. This method is often credited with strengthening fingers, but its real benefit lies in sharpening reflexes and enhancing control of your fingers. The idea is that by practising a passage in a variety of rhythms, your execution will improve significantly when you return to the original notation.
The Pros and Cons
Benefits:
- Improves finger control and reflexes – Practising in different rhythms helps develop finger independence and agility.
- Enhances evenness – Regrouping the notes in different ways enables you to identify weak spots and refine passagework.
- Builds speed and accuracy – By varying the rhythmic patterns, the brain adapts, making fast and even playing feel more natural.
Potential drawbacks:
- Can become mechanical – Overuse may lead to mindless repetition without real engagement with musicality.
- Might introduce tension – The sudden bursts of energy in dotted rhythms can cause unwanted tension unless managed carefully.
- Could lead to insensitivity – Rhythm practice can discourage active listening and musical playing if applied indiscriminately.
Effective Approaches to Rhythm Practice
The following are some suggestions for harnessing the benefits of rhythm practice while avoiding the potential pitfalls:
1. Releasing tension
Incorporate pauses with a conscious release of tension by:
- Playing the main note with a firm attack and hold it momentarily.
- Immediately releasing all effort, ensuring a feeling of physical freedom.
- Playing the following fast notes lightly and effortlessly.
This process can be repeated with the pauses gradually shortened until they disappear.
2. Grouping notes in expanding patterns
Instead of treating every note equally, introduce stopping points at increasing intervals. Start by inserting long notes at regular intervals within the passage and then gradually reduce the stopping points, increasing the number of connected notes. This is an excellent way to build up speed while retaining control!
3. Using different touches
Introducing further variety in touch can be a another excellent way to avoid mindless playing and tension while also refining articulation. This can be done by accentuating the main (long) note with a marcato (louder or more forceful) touch. Then the subsequent faster notes can be played leggierissimo (extremely light and soft).
4. Adding and shifting accents
Another effective tool for passagework that can be used in alternation or combination with rhythm practice is adding accents. When using this as an alternative, you play the passage you’re working on evenly but add accents in different places. For example, you can start by accenting every second note, every beat and then each bar.
To ensure you remain engaged and to improve co-ordination in a tricky passage, you can then add variations by shifting the accents i.e. placing them on different notes within each group, as in this example from the Finale finale of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor (Op. 35):
You can also combine variations in rhythm and accents to really give your brain a workout!
Use Rhythm Practice Wisely!
While rhythm practice can be a valuable tool, it should be applied consciously and creatively. Instead of relying on a rigid formula, you should:
- Identify the specific technical or musical issue that you aim to solve.
- Select rhythmic patterns that directly address the challenge.
- Ensure that musical expression and physical ease are maintained throughout.
- Regularly reassess whether the method is producing the desired results.
If you’d like hands-on guidance in using rhythm practice, accents and other tools effectively, then do join Graham Fitch on Saturday 5th April for the second online workshop in his interactive practice tools series. Building on the foundations laid with slow practice in the first workshop, this next session will show you exactly how to use tried and tested ways to build speed while retaining fluency and accuracy. Click here to find out more!