a-rhythm-etic
By Jerry Leake
 |
This study offers a glimpse into the power of the North Indian tabla drum
language and the fundamental mathematics the language comprises, presented here as a
unique yet universal method called a-rhythm-etic. The concept is simple but with great
possibilities. Rhythm cells in this method are rendered with spoken syllables that are
strung together to form potent musical shapes and metric structures that are applicable to
any instrument and in any style of music. Using basic tabla syllables (called bols) you
will discover new and essential entry points into rhythm invention, while speaking
syllables clearly and with inflection will enhance the musicality of your practice. |
Get PDF format for immediate download.
| 54 pages | $8
|
Contents
| INTRODUCTION | 3 |
| RHYTHM CELLS | |
| Speaking the Bols Clearly | 5 |
| Shorthand Notation | 5 |
| Duration of Each Cell | 6 |
| A "Non-Metric" Perspective | 7 |
| "Flow without Measure:" Cell Exercises to the "Beat" | 7 |
| Series Succession | 8 |
| Series Combinations | 8 |
| A Bridge to Carnatic Rhythm | 9 |
| GRID OF TIME | 9 |
| Arrows of 8 | 10 |
| Other 8-beat Combinations | 12 |
| Duplicating Numbers to Equal 8 | 13 |
| MATH AND COUNTING THEORY | |
| The Abacus of Time in Indian Music | 14 |
| Number Locations | 15 |
| What Happened to "0"? | 16 – 17 |
| YIN & YANG LETTER PAIRS | 18 |
| REFLECTION AND TIME OUT | 20 |
| Stages of Development | 21 |
| BUILDING METRIC STRUCTURES | 21 |
| Meters in 5 | 22 |
| Meters in 6 | 23 – 24 |
| Meters in 7 | 25 – 27 |
| Meters in 9 | 28 – 29 |
| Meters in 10 | 30 – 31 |
| Meters in 11 | 32 |
| Process vs. Product | 34 |
| CELL INVERSION | 35 |
| Assimilation | 36 |
| Practical Examples | 37 |
| "HARMONIC TIME" | 37 |
| Stepping to Any Phrase or Meter | 38 – 39 |
| Off-Beat Clap | 40 – 41 |
| APPLICATION OF A-RHYTHM-ETIC | |
| Theory vs. Practice | 42 |
| Tabla "Rela" Built Using Familiar Cells | 43 – 48 |
| CONCLUSION | 49 – 51 |
| BIBLIOGRAPHY | 52 – 54 |
Excerpts
