Rhythm and Body Percussion by Dietrich Wohrlin

This text is full of explanations and exercises that will enhance the teaching of rhythmic ideas and concepts in an accessible and enjoyable manner. Body percussion is a practical way to learn and maintain rhythmic security. It allows the exploration of different rhythms without the need for instruments or written music. The body is the instrument. So, body percussion uses drumming on the body, stamping, rhythmic speech, singing and snapping fingers. Thus rhythm becomes an all-encompassing experience, for body, senses, soul and intellect.

This is why body percussion is perfect for:
• basic and advanced rhythmic training,
• experiencing and understanding poly-rhythms, as an individual or in groups, thus expanding one’s “rhythmic horizons”, and,
• as a tool for learning and perfecting rhythmic ensemble playing for groups.