Rhythm in Singing: How to Develop a Feel for Rhythm in Practice and Performance
Have you ever had trouble with rhythm in either your practice or in a performance? Maybe you felt that you just could not keep the beat and stay in time; lagging behind, rushing ahead, or just getting lost within the music and not knowing how to navigate the sounds and silences.
Actually, you are not alone. Many singers have had trouble with feeling the rhythmic beat and keeping time, whether singing exercises or songs. Of course, some people may experience beat deafness, a neurological condition that impairs the ability to perceive or synchronize with musical rhythm - but this condition is really rare. Most of the time, troubles with rhythm are caused by either a lack of internalized awareness or issues with vocal muscle development and coordination. Whatever the cause, there are cures that will allow you to gain a feel for rhythm!
Internal Awareness
A common cause of rhythmic trouble for singers stems from a lack of internalized awareness. Without awareness, singers can struggle to hear and feel a rhythmic pulse. Instrumentalists develop a good sense of rhythm due to their training. Drummers in particular do this well because the way they practice is to literally feel the beat as they move their arms and legs to create rhythmic sound.
Yet, maybe as a singer we have not been trained to feel the beat in this way. That is okay, for this feeling of internal rhythmic awareness can be learned. One way is to tap the basic beat of a simple song with your hand and speak the singing pulse using syllables like [tah] for the words. For example, you can take a simple song like “Three Blind Mice” and tap the basic beat.
Then, while tapping the steady regular beat with your hand, speak the words or use [tah] for each syllable. With some practice, you will get the feel for how the syllables or words fit within and around the steady beat. Using a metronome and simple vocal exercises is another effective technique to improve timing and tempo. Listen to the click of the metronome and sing [zee] or [zah] on a [1-2-3-2-1] scale - one click of the metronome for each pitch step and then one click to breathe - repeat the process. Practicing this way can sync up what you hear with what you sing, as well as learning how to breathe in rhythm (also called Rhythmic Breathing). Actively listening to more complex music, tapping the beat, singing [tah] on each syllable, and recording yourself can help you further internalize rhythm plus track your progress.
Vocal Muscle Movement
Another cause of rhythmic trouble for singers is related to issues of vocal muscle development and coordination. If the vocal muscles (closers and stretcher) and the vocal cords are not adjusting properly for pitch, volume, and vowel, then no matter how hard one tries, there is struggle to sing on the beat because the vocal muscles are unable to move with precision and freedom.
This can be really frustrating when one realizes what is going on. One typical type of malfunction is when the “voice” moves too slow and falls behind the beat, whether singing exercises or a phrase in a song. Falling behind the beat feels like "walking through mud” with muscular rigidity experienced due to excessive volume and heaviness. But have no fear, for there is a solution. Sing a bit softer. With less volume there is less vocal cord vibrating, and the feeling of rigidity with the tone being pressed or forced is alleviated.
Over time, the muscle constriction is eased, and freedom is established. A teacher can assist in this process by having the student sing a bit softer and lighter; utilizing exercises with a consonant and vowel combination like [nahn, nahn, nahn] on a five tone scale. This helps with equally defining the different pitch steps or notes with less tendency to drag too much weight up and down.
As the vocal muscles respond using a slower speed, then gradually increase speed with the result being a letting go of excess vocal weight. The bottom line is for there to be spontaneity in exercises so vocal muscles develop and coordinate and allow for many different types of rhythm to be expressed. A natural vocal weight and healthy volume will appear. The student finds movement to be free without falling behind or rushing ahead. As you experience functional development and coordination of vocal muscles, then you become both in tune and on time!
Putting It All Together
Dedicating specific practice time and regularly spending even a few minutes on rhythmic exercises can help develop your rhythmic abilities. Struggle with rhythm is common, but with regular practice and focus, most people can train and improve their skills. Even if you have found yourself rhythmically lost when trying to sing, consistent training and exposure to music can help you develop your skills.
Playing an instrument like the guitar, studying music theory, and of course taking voice lessons can help develop a natural rhythm and improve your ability to feel the beat in your body. Being present in the moment, listening carefully to the sounds and notes, and tapping a steady beat can help a person understand and internalize rhythm. Rhythm perception involves subconscious neurological processes in the brain, mental focus in the conscious mind, and expression through physical movement. Using different techniques and concepts from various genres of music, such as hip hop, can keep practice feeling fun and relevant.
Engaging your body - tapping your foot, moving on the dance floor, or speaking words to a beat - can enhance your rhythmic skills and spatial awareness. Rhythm is an essential component of both music and language, and most musicians and the majority of people have some innate sense of rhythm. Developing rhythmic abilities doesn't require so much time, but rather regular, focused practice and a willingness to challenge oneself. For singers, developing and coordinating vocal muscles allows you to explore different types of rhythm found in exercises and songs. Your “voice” is able to respond to the needs of the music. As you move with intention, internal rhythmic awareness appears and guides both practice and performance!
At VoiceLessons.com, our expert teachers help students of all levels master these techniques, using innovative online tools to provide personalized feedback and support. With the right guidance and a deeper understanding of your own vocal system, you can unlock the full potential of your voice - no matter where you are on your singing journey.
