Welcome
Coordination for musical performance starts with feeling the pulse. MusicGoals Rhythm is a practice tool that will help you feel the beat, learn to read rhythms, and develop rhythmic coordination. It will build your musicianship and knowledge of music theory.
The operation of MusicGoals Rhythm is similar to that of MusicGoals by Eye and Ear. To get the best results, become familiar with the program features and available help resources. Then set up a regular time to practice and stick to it!
Help
To access context sensitive help from MusicGoals Rhythm, press the F1 function key at any point. This help file contains information about the program, music theory, rhythm symbols and terms. You may also Right-Click on any button or text for a short explanation in a "What's This?" pop-up window. Be sure to visit www.musicgoals.com for more information and answers to music theory questions.
see also Note Values, Time Signatures, and the Glossary for music theory background
Maximize your results
Understand and use
all three drill modes. Goal mode is the test that you must pass
to advance. Practice mode lets you go back or jump to any step or drill.
Custom mode lets you design drills to focus on whatever needs the most
work. For the best results, repeat drills
with ever increasing tempos!
Use the tempo
slider! If you are making too many mistakes slow down. If it is
too easy speed up. You will make the most progress if you repeat the same
rhythms at different tempos.
If a rhythm looks difficult, play
it through first before you press begin.
Count!
You will do better on the drills if you make an effort to count the beats.
This is especially important with ties and with two part drills.
If you have never done rhythmic dictation, it can be very difficult. Listen for one measure at a time. It can be very difficult to remember a longer rhythm. Count the beat numbers as you listen. Use scratch paper with empty measures laid out. Write beat numbers in and draw dots where you hear rhythms. With two part dictation, listen for one part at a time.
Like anything else, success comes with practice, effort, and determination. Find a routine that works for you. Stick to it and you will advance quickly.
Be sure to read this help file to get the most out of MusicGoals and make the best use of your practice time.