Helping Adult Piano Students Find Their Natural Sense of Rhythm
Commentary inspired by Matthew Harre’s writing at MusicFossils.com
Many adult piano students struggle with maintaining a natural rhythmic pulse when learning to play. According to educator Matthew Harre, this difficulty often stems from an overemphasis on correct notes and a disconnection from the body’s innate sense of rhythm. Adults, unlike children who move naturally to music, tend to approach the piano with a mental focus on correctness rather than a physical connection to musical pulse.
Harre suggests that traditional teaching methods like foot tapping and counting aloud might actually overload students, splitting their attention and creating more difficulty. Instead, he proposes techniques to reconnect with physical rhythm: walking to a beat, clapping rhythms, and even simple conducting gestures to involve larger muscle groups. These methods help students experience rhythm in a more instinctive, bodily way rather than relying solely on mental counting.
While many adults resist these activities at first—often feeling self-conscious—the long-term benefit is a stronger, more fluid musicality. By reviving their physical sense of rhythm, students can enjoy a deeper, more natural engagement with music-making.
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