Mastering Polyrhythms


Two Against Three (6)

Process for all Polyrhythms

I would like to share a process that will help you play any polyrhythm smoothly, accurately and without the need for conscious thought in performance – but it might take a little time to acquire the knack. Think back to when you learned to ride a bicycle; you probably wobbled around and fell off quite a number of times before you learned to ride easily and automatically. Mastering a tricky skill such as a polyrhythm relies on perseverance but after you acquire it, it remains with you. Here is the exercise applied to the Beethoven Op. 14 No. 2 example:...

Sign in to view if you have purchased access to this content or see purchase options below.

Purchase options

Get full access to this content in addition to our growing library of over 1000 articles, videos and other resources for as little as £13.99 per month or £119.99 a year. Click here to sign-up or click here to find-out more.

View next...

The Body - Wiser than the Mind?

When we make music we experience fascinating integration of body and mind. As essential as it is to master certain well-defined skills (just as athletes do) there can also be moments when we manage to "get out of our own way" – and everything seems to fall into place beautifully.... Read >>


William Westney Practising

Advanced Sight-Reading Curriculum - Part 2

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/144-advanced-sight-reading-curriculum-part-2?bundle_url=online-academy&amp;last_viewed=true">Flexibility</a></h3>

To give an interpretation of a piece we have never seen before requires flexibility and demands a willingness to accept wrong notes, technical stumbles, and botched details, in the greater interest of maintaining rhythmic cohesion, following the broad outlines of the score. The second part of our Advanced Sight-Reading Curriculum... Read >>


Ken Johansen Practising

The Practice Tools

Graham Fitch's tried and tested practice tools provide highly effective ways to transform your practice sessions into productive and enjoyable experiences.... Read >>


Graham Fitch Practising