Value Of Even Rhythm or Rhythmic Variation In Exercises

One of the fundamentals of singing concerns how Rhythm plays a role in not just singing songs, but also in the training of the voice.  

Exercises that utilize an even rhythmic structure encourage the singer to learn how to feel an even pulse. We learn how to feel the beat of this inner metronome.  This feel is super helpful in keeping time in music as we are able to maintain a particular pace without varying. An even rhythmic emphasis is also related to exercises encouraging muscular development, like “step by step” and “slow and steady.” This can be thought of as one doing a bicep curl; going at the same pace whether lifting the weight or lowering back down, the “steady” part of “slow and steady.”  

Exercises that utilize rhythmic variation encourage the singer to be free to mix it up and respond to a change of pace, flexible in mind and motion. Rhythmic variation is also related to exercises focused on stretching and coordination. Functionally, rhythmic variation in conjunction with wider leaps up and down the vocal staircase, help the student to let go and allow the voice to physically move.  The rhythm should be varied fairly quickly so the student does not have time to institute conscious control. Thus, rhythmic variations encourage spontaneous movement.

Whether even or variable, rhythm is a key ingredient to exercise construction meeting growth needs!