10 Ways to Improve Your Piano Rhythm

When you learn how to play the piano, the idea of maintaining a healthy rhythm may seem far-fetched. After all, you are busy learning where the keys are, where to place your fingers, how to read the notes, and how to keep both hands doing two different things at the very same time.

And, despite it all, you must keep the rhythm steady? Yikes.  

No doubt that as a new player, it can be difficult conquering this foundational step. But its importance does not waver – and that is why there are so many things you can do to work on your rhythm and improve it.

Here are 10 ways to improve your piano rhythm.

1. Use a Metronome

Metronomes are a musician’s timekeeper. Some love them, others hate them. But the truth of the matter is that when you have struggles with rhythm, a metronome can help. Besides, the more you practice with one, the more you will get used to it. And if you plan on playing music for the rest of your life – you will need to get used to it.

You can either try playing the whole piece using the metronome or, for the rhythmically tricky parts, solely practice them with the metronome. Take care to repeat them until you have them up to speed.

2. Start slow

Speaking of speed – unless you are a well-seasoned professional, you should never expect yourself to pick up a piece and play it perfectly. There is a high chance that there will be tricky rhythms in at least one area that will halt you in your tracks.

When you find those measures, slow it down. Play them over and over, slowly. Let your fingers feel the keys and begin to allow the rhythm to start to feel and flow naturally. Do this enough and you will start to play right through it without a second thought.

3. Consider Playing Along with Audio Files

Many times, when you purchase sheet music, you get an audio file that comes with it. Or, a simple search online may help, using sites like YouTube. Finding something to play along with can sometimes make it easier to keep your forward momentum going.

Playing with an audio file helps you stay on point much like a metronome does but with a much more enjoyable accompaniment.

4. Record Yourself – and Listen

Recording yourself may feel weird at first, especially because you may not feel like your piece is record-worthy just yet. But this is all part of practicing and making it perfect. Besides, no one even has to hear it.

Recording yourself allows you to hear where you may be having rhythm issues. As you play back the recording, follow along with the music, marking areas that need your attention. Be sure to notate what is wrong with your performance in those measures so you know how to correct it. Do you slow down? Is it choppy? You get the idea.

5. Tapping Your Foot

It is natural to move when you hear music. And you do so to the rhythm of the music. Just like a marching band marches to the beat, you can tap your foot. It feels natural and it helps you keep the beat. Without even realizing it, your foot does a very good job of staying steady so that you can too.

6. Practice Your Scales – Using Different Rhythms

Sometimes you need to step away from the sheet music you are playing in order to get better at it. Take the key that your piece is in and practice your scales. If you are new to piano, you have likely been told that scales are important for warmups and for learning music theory. Well, they can also help with rhythm, as well.

Using the scales, arpeggios, and chords, make up rhythms and play them. Get your fingers comfortable moving around this key with its sharps and flats. The more comfortable you become and the more you practice different rhythms, the easier it will be to move steadily through your piece.

7. Mute the Metronome

Yes, of course. We just told you to use a metronome. Muting it is another tool. Here’s how it works. Start your metronome and play your piece. As you approach the section with the difficult rhythm, mute it and play through. Then, unmute and see if you are still playing at the same speed.

Make sense? The idea is to keep the same pace after the tough measures as you had before them.

8. Feel the Music

Feel the music as you play. When you allow it to play through you, rather than just play from you, it becomes more natural. Your body will feel the tempo and get absorbed in the rhythm. The whole piece will flow more easily.

9. Break Down the Piece

When you are reading a piece of sheet music in its entirety, it can seem like it is too difficult. Breaking down the piece into sections can make it much easier to tackle. Focus on each section as its own and then try putting it all together.

10. Ask for Help

Finally, if you are struggling with your rhythms and are looking for ways to improve, do not hesitate to ask for help. This may be seeking help from a music teacher, a musician friend, or someone in your community whose ability you admire. Not only will you make that person feel good that you think so highly of them, but you probably will gain some serious help!

Conclusion

Music comes in all different rhythms. Some simplistic and easy – others not so much. Do not find yourself overcome with struggle and thoughts of giving up. You can play that perfect piece with a little practice.

There are many steps you can take to improve your rhythm. Try recording yourself, playing to a metronome, break down the piece, feel your music, or ask for help. Try a few different ways to see what works for you. You just may be surprised at how easy those rhythms are when you do.