Doing Time with 32 Bars Volume One: Time Devlopment Studies [Spiral-bound]

Bruce Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

The book and CD presents a method for gaining an internal sense of time thereby eliminating dependence on a metronome. The book presents the basic concept for developing good time and also includes exercises that can be practiced with the CD. The CD provides eight 8 minute tracks at different tempos in which the time is delineated every 2 bars, and with an extra hit every 32 bars to outline the 32 bar form. The student may then use the exercises presented in the book to gain control of their execution or improvise to gain control of their ideas using this bare minimum of time delineation. Muse-eek also features a FAQ section where students can direct questions that may arise as they work to the author, and which are generally answered within two days. This book is a required text at the New York University and Princeton University Music departments.

EXCERPT 1

The course of study presented in this book assumes that the reader has intermediate to advanced knowledge of music. With any course of study questions arise, therefore Muse-eek presents a forum where relevant questions will be answered by the author. Please visit the muse-eek website at muse-eek first and check the FAQ section for this book to see if your question has already been answered. If not, use the form on the website to e-mail your questions.

This book is divided into 3 sections each corresponding to one of the enclosed CDs. Within each section different exercises will be presented to help develop your internal sense of time. You can work on a variety of different exercises at once or just concentrate on the areas you find the most challenging. Within each section the exercises are divided as follows:

1. Introduction
2. Technical Exercises
A. Rhythm Techniques
B. Melodic Techniques
C. Harmonic Techniques
3. Creative Exercises
A. Improvisation

First read through the "Introduction" to familiarize yourself with the basic theory. Depending on your ability you can then proceed to any section of the book you find intriguing. It is recommended that you work with some of the technical exercises first to gain some control. Many of the exercises presented in this book are excerpts from other books. If you find certain exercises particularly helpful, you may wish to do a larger study by working out of the excerpted book.

The methods presented in this book are only a few of the exercise possibilities. Be imaginative! Develop other exercises to use with the CDs. It can be as simple as reading through a piece of music, to practicing with a whole ensemble using the CDs.

EXCERPT 2

The Big Metronome is designed to help you develop a better internal sense of time. This is accomplished by requiring you to "feel time" rather than having you rely on the steady click of a metronome. The idea is to slowly wean yourself away from an external device and rely on your internal/natural sense of time. The exercises presented work in conjunction with the three CDs that accompany this book. CD 1 presents the first 13 settings from a traditional metronome 40-66; the second CD contains metronome markings 69-116, and the third CD contains metronome markings 120-208. The first CD gives you a 2 bar count off and a click every measure, the second CD gives you a 2 bar count off and a click every 2 measures, the 3rd CD gives you a 2 bar count off and a click every 4 measures. By presenting all common metronome markings a student can use these 3 CDs as a replacement for a traditional metronome.

Let's discuss the proper approach to this book and the idea of developing your own internal feel for time. This strong sense of time is not achieved by subdividing it in your head nor is it helped by tapping your foot or moving your body. It is achieved by trusting your internal clock based

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Mr. Arnold's series of books dealing with the development of an internal time sense is quite revolutionary in its scope. It presents a course of study aimed at shifting the student away from dependence on a metronome, towards a greater and more assured reliance on his or her own inherent time sense. The books and CDs contained in this series are meant for the intermediate to advanced student. For obvious reasons, drummers and percussionists will be particularly drawn to this book, but all serious musicians can benefit from the method Mr. Arnold is presenting.

From the Author

Music is made up of melody, rhythm and harmony. Rhythm cannot exist outside of time, therefor finding and refining a strong time sense is key to the creation of good music. Developing this strong time sense requires a multi-faceted course of study. While this book can be used in independent study, it is part of a larger series dealing with rhythm and time. A more comprehensive understanding of these issues can be achieved by using this book in tandem with others in the series.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 39 pages
• Publisher: muse eek publishing (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189094422X
• ISBN-13: 978-1890944223
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,312,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Guitarist Bruce Arnold has developed an extensive reputation as a composer educator and guitar virtuoso. He has created a unique signature sound that stems from his combination of jazz techniques and 20th Century compositional methods. He has played with such diverse musicians as Stuart Hamm, Peter Erskine, Joe Pass, Joe Lovano, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Arnold is also deeply devoted to music education and had written more than 60 music instruction. He heads the guitar departments at NYU and Princeton University and is the director of the New York University Summer Guitar Intensive He has taught at some of the most prestigious music schools in America, including the New England Conservatory of Music, Dartmouth College, Berklee College of Music, New School University, and City College of New York.