Often times the rhythm syllable system will last through 3rd or 4th grade and in some cases even into middle or high school. Being able to “think/audiate” in rhythm syllables also helps students to decode rhythms that they hear, making dictation/memorization/performance much easier.In the United States, the generally accepted norm is that students will eventually transfer from a rhythm syllable system (like Ta, Titi) to a number system of counting (1-e-&-a). Just as solfege syllables (Do, Re, Mi) give the student a tangible thing to say or think when representing an interval or set of pitches, a rhythm syllable system gives the student an easy way to understand note value. A rhythm syllable system gives the student a set of nonsense syllables or sounds to associate with written notation and beat formations. The ideas is that this system could get away from mathematical counting (which feels unmusical) while still showing durations and relationships between notes. Rhythm syllables were developed so that students could have a musical way to read rhythm. What is a Rhythm Counting System?īefore we get into variations, let’s talk about why people us a rhythm syllable system at all. So, no matter what rhythm syllable system you currently use, read through and decide what you think would work best for you and your students. “Because I’ve always done it that way” is not a good enough reason to continue doing something. I absolutely believe that each one of us should sit down and think through what syllable system we’re using and how it benefits our students (or not). In this blog post I’d like to look at several different rhythm syllable systems that are generally used and explore some pros and cons for each method. How did they develop? What system works best? Why does one person prefer “ti-ti” over “ta-di”? Or is this the system that you heard at a workshop or maybe in your elementary methods class in college? There are a lot of options out there when it comes to rhythm syllable systems with pros and cons for each. Why do you choose to teach using that rhythm syllable system? Is this what you’re most familiar with? Maybe this is just what you learned when you were in elementary school and it’s easiest for you. What about other rhythms? Do you say “Ta, Ti-ti” or maybe “Du, Du-de” or even “Ta, Ta-di.” Perhaps you just call them “pal, buddy” or go right to numbers “1, 2-and” or some other set of words and phrases. What do you call a quarter note? In your classroom do you call it “Ta”? Or Maybe you call it “Du”.

Quaver toes