Every Good Boy Does Fine by Jeremy Denk - Reading Together - Chapters 13 and 14

In these chapters, Denk deconstructs the paradox of musical pulse under the philosophical guidance of György Sebők. Denk dismantles the misconception that rhythm is mere rigid metronomic counting, revealing it instead as an organic continuum of physical energy, breath, and release. Navigating masterclasses, collaborative chamber playing, and grueling auditions, he examines how syncopation, rubato, and agogic accents give music vitality. Through witty self-reflection and poignant mentorship memories, these chapters illuminate the elusive "secret" of piano playing: finding absolute expressive freedom within relentless, unwavering architectural discipline.

If you want to work on rhythm with your students, here are some resources to do that.

- Feed the Monster Rhythm Game: An engaging music center game where students practice rhythm reading by feeding correctly read flashcards into a decorated paper-bag monster.
- The Rhythm Randomizer: A free, customizable web tool designed for music teachers and students to generate, practice, and listen to randomized rhythm patterns across a wide variety of time signatures and note values.
- Rhythm Activities: A collection of interactive rhythm games and lesson ideas designed to help music students practice ear training, notation, and pulse in a fun, engaging way.
- Rhythm Rotation Game: Connects directly to Music Learning Theory principles that echo Sebők's insistence on feeling the macro-flow of meter beneath rapid micro-divisions.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here. Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.