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Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Dinkles on 11/19/2022, 9:04 am

I've been teaching for 20 years and a student's inability to feel pulse is so frustrating. We've had some really good musicians who can play their instrument/make really good sounds end up standing on the sideline or helping with props because they can't move their feet faster than 80 bpm.

Does anyone have success with somehow connecting both sides of the brain on some kids that can't feel the beat?

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Old dude on 11/26/2022, 7:45 am, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

Start with middle school band. I always marched my middle school kids in May. Parade marching with a boom box I used pop music with a strong beat. Workout or dance music worked well. I made it a competition, moving kids up a rank when they showed improvement.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Doc Too on 11/20/2022, 10:57 pm, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

I accidentally learned that some students can mimic the pulse by watching the feet of other band members. It does not work every time, but it frequently helps a lot.

There is a program out there that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to see and hear the pulse simultaneously while learning rhythm counting.

RhythmBee

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Tennis balls on 11/20/2022, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

With our beginners last year we did tennis ball games. Bouncing on 2 & 4 while a kid friendly pop song played. Extension games were to have the kids create 4 or 8 beat rhythm patterns to teach the class...and so on. Fun way to break up class routine.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by wolverine on 11/20/2022, 9:37 am, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

This is known as RDD. Rhythm Deficit Disorder.
There should be funding available.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by No secrets, just practice on 11/19/2022, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

Is marching band the first time they move both feet? Is dancing taught or movement activities incorporated at any point in your vertical alignment before marching band?

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Dinkles on 11/19/2022, 6:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Kids that can't feel pulse"

I was afraid someone would think that HS marching band is the first time sense of pulse problems are noticed. That is not the case.

We actually start our beginning band year counting and working to feel pulse but it never fails we have some students that, for whatever reason, can't feel the pulse and once they start counting and eventually playing it's even more magnified.

I believe there is some sort of kinetic value to being able to feel pulse which is why we use garage that has more relatable "beats" and heavy strong beats.

I just didn't know if there was something I (we) were missing.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Nsjp on 11/19/2022, 8:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Kids that can't feel pulse"

What is occurring at the primary level in your cluster/ISD? Maybe those teachers are using techniques and phrases that can build on the beat training they did in those early years.

Dancing and moving to music is essential to developing foot timing. It is not enough to understand how pulse and subdivisions work. Listening to music and the metronome is not enough either. The body must move; counting is not a substitute and foot tapping is only a start. Externalization of the beat in the feet is paramount.

Dalcroze eurhythmics might be helpful for you and your students. Zumba or similar rhythmic calisthenics would be great, especially if you know someone who leads that kind of thing.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Dinkles on 11/20/2022, 9:57 am, in reply to "Re: Kids that can't feel pulse"

I agree...kinetic movement to music helps. Just like reading to your baby helps.

In regards to what is happening at the lower grade campuses...absolutely nothing is happening. I'm not sure anyone teaches music in K-2 and our 3-5 teacher is practically retired and only shows up to get their Christmas and Spring production ready.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Me on 11/19/2022, 10:13 am, in reply to "Kids that can't feel pulse"

In before the standard “teach better” response

I have been teaching for 12 years and have never had a student who cannot feel the pulse.

I have had students whose sense of time is not as good as others, but typically when a student is constantly behind the beat it is because they really are not trying hard enough and The teacher is not persistent in making their feet or playing be in time. A metronome should be used in class every day. I insist that students starting in sixth grade band have a metronome present in all of the rehearsals and used most of the time. I also insist that the students tap their foot while they play.

Do not be so quick to put your students on the sideline for marching band. Have them on the field moving their feet. They will not get better if they are not practicing actively.

Re: Kids that can't feel pulse

Posted by Dinkles on 11/19/2022, 6:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Kids that can't feel pulse"

See above for response to you and the other poster.

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