Utilize Rhythm Diagrams
A rhythm diagram is another way to visually represent a rhythm pattern. For students who struggle with rhythm, diagramming can be very helpful. When I was a junior high student we were given weekly sheets of rhythm patterns to diagram. Now it seems to be a lost art.
After introducing diagramming to the beginners have contests between the boys and girls or other groups. Put a rhythm pattern on the board and have two students compete to see who can draw the diagram quicker. It can be a fun break from the regular rehearsal.
To diagram duple-meter rhythm patterns the rules are, (1) Draw one V per beat, and (2) Draw one line per note.
Basic duple-meter rhythm diagrams
Whole note
Dotted half note
Half note
Dotted quarter note
Quarter note
Two eighth notes
Four sixteenth notes
To diagram triple-meter rhythm patterns the rules are, (1) Draw one check per beat, and (2) Draw one line per note.
Basic triple-meter rhythm diagrams
Dotted half note
Dotted quarter note
Three eighth notes
Six sixteenth notes
For more information, see the Rhythm Diagrams* slide show from the Slide Shows section.
*Microsoft PowerPoint required.
To download, right click on the link and select "Save target as" (Internet Explorer) or "Save link as" (Firefox / Chrome).