Counting with Subdivisions to Teach Rhythm

This is the second entry point in our series—How to Teach Rhythm Using Multiple Entry Points, a Seven-Part Series. To read an introduction to multiple entry points and why music teachers should use them, please see our previous article “How to Teach Rhythm Using Multiple Entry Points”.

What are Subdivisions? 

Subdivisions are all the beats in a bar, both played and unplayed. Subdivisions are both the notes and rests in a bar. When counting subdivisions, you SAY ALL the beats but only PLAY the notated rhythm.

How do you Count Subdivisions?

The fastest note value in the bar determines the appropriate subdivision and numbering system. For example, when 8th notes are the fastest note value, use the numbering "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" for subdividing.

When 16th notes are the fastest note value, use the numbering "1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&a" for subdividing.

Circle the Beats to be Played

You can help your students visualize all the beats to be played by circling those beats. See the three steps below to find and circle the subdivisions to be played. 

1. First, find the fastest note value in the bar to determine the subdivision, as explained above. The fastest note value in the example below is the 8th note.

2. Now, number each subdivision (1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & ) on the notation.

3. Draw circles around the beats to be played matching the notated rhythm.

In the next example below, the fastest note value below is the 16th note.

When practicing, SAY ALL the beats out loud but only PLAY the CIRCLED beats.

Benefits of Counting Subdivisions

Counting the subdivisions accurately while playing notated rhythms in sync takes practice. The practice of counting the subdivision while clapping or playing an instrument develops one’s internal metronome and sharpens rhythmic precision. Using the Circle the Beat method is a good way to scaffold the learning process before students are ready to count subdivisions independently without any visual support. When you first introduce counting subdivisions, support your students by using the Circle the Beat method. You’ll notice in time that when you students count the subdivision out loud while playing ONLY the circled beats, they will perform the notated rhythms on their exact beats and keep a steady tempo.

 

By counting subdivisions and using other entry points to teach rhythms, you are sure to reach all of your students, whether you are working on band pieces or percussion ensemble pieces, such as Bucket Music or Pulse of the Forest.