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Confucian Counting

Alan Coady

Monday 15 May 2006

"Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will learn. Involve me and I will understand."
Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC); Chinese philosopher & reformer.

Any playing in a group lesson has to be "counted in" to ensure that everyone begins at the same time and at the right speed. Pupils don’t always focus with all their might and a restart can take up limited time. One way to “reel them in” is to ask a pupil to count. They don’t have to deduce the speed – simply to drop into a beat you are already tapping – although those preparing for exams might benefit from trying to hear the tempo in their head and then counting in. In a solo exam, the former is essential to prevent nerves from “suggesting” a speed which will prove difficult to sustain – possibly undoing months of preparation in a matter of moments.

Most pupils seem to enjoy being asked to count in and tend to prepare better for the beginning of the tune. Once everyone is comfortable with this, you can raise the game by asking them to count in other languages. The numbers rarely get past four and it adds another dimension to the concentration - and occasionally to the humour. We are always on the lookout for additional languages and would appreciate any offerings e.g. Gaelic, Arabic – especially those with some guide to pronunciation. To save duplication, let me outline those we have covered: Spanish; Portuguese; Italian; French; German; Swedish; Mandarin; Japanese & Cockney. Thanks in anticipation.

Comments

Counting in

Richard Wilson

Tuesday 16 May 2006

Alan,
Enjoying your blog. What about counting in in broad Scots? yin, twa etc?

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