Posted by js on December 27, 2001 at 19:45:37:
In Reply to: Got Rhythm? posted by Kid in the 'Burbs on December 27, 2001 at 15:59:10:
Your sense of rhythm will absolutely improve over time if you use a metronome when practicing, and do so virtually all the time.
I don't believe that internal rhythm is inborn. Perhaps some learn a sense of rhythm quicker than others (just like other skills) but this is absolutely a learned (and necessarily a reinforced) skill.
Sightreading is an absolute impossibility without "having a steady bass drum beating in one's head". When I listen to poor sightreaders trying to sightread, its almost never the pitches nor the execution of the individual rhythmic figures that are the problems. The problem is total lack of flow and continuity due to the lack of an internal basic rhythmic beat in their heads. Your sightreading skills will improve when your internal rhythm improves, and as your confidence level rises your sightreading skills will improve even more.
Use a metronome almost always when you practice.