A proposed Unified Rhythm Counting Method

As I have not found as complete of a method anywhere else in my teaching, I needed to solve some of the gaps in other counting methods in order to provide rhythm "helpers" on thesightreadingproject.com. I realize many will hate it, and hopefully, some will grow to love it. However you feel, it will be available for reinforcement through this website for the foreseeable future!

Method development issues:

• number-based counting is preferred over other strictly pattern-associative methods (and as a music educator, I fully endorse it!) Here's why:
• it reinforces understanding of time signature
• it provides a frame-work for understanding metrical stress
• it provides performers a reference for location in music
• until now, number-based counting has only been largely unified in practice with simple meters (divisions of counting in twos and fours). e.g. 1 + 2 + or 1 e + a 2 e + a
• students moving from level to level or director to director have difficulty adopting new and often "unique" systems for handling rhythms other than mentioned above
• it would be advantageous to have common methods for students in honor choirs (and beyond.)

Through this website, I propose the following subdivisions of the count (i=ee, a=ah): The balance and symmetry of the smaller structures become apparent in larger rhythmic values.

It is important to explain that compound meters count the subdivision of the beat to students.

I hope that through exposure and time, this rhythm teaching method will be found to be helpful.