a-rhythm-etic

By Jerry Leake


A-rhythm-etic 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.

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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

A-rhythm-etic page 8
A-rhythm-etic page 9
A-rhythm-etic page 10