Effects of Rote Versus Note Presentations on Rhythm Learning and Retention

Abstract

This study examined the effects of aural and visual approaches to rhythm reading and short-term retention. Second- and sixth-grade students were presented with two-measure rhythm patterns in four modes: (1) audio-rhythm, (2) audio-mnemonics, (3) (audio) visual-rhythm, and (4) (audio) visual-mnemonics. Raw data consisted of the number of trials necessary for the correct performance of the rhythms on a woodblock. Results indicated that the simultaneous use of auditory and visual channels facilitates learning and retention of rhythms at both grade levels. Maturation is significant in the acquisition of rhythms, in that older students learned the patterns twice as quickly as the younger children, regardless of presentation mode. Factors concerning the mnemonics, short-term memory, and the development of music literacy were discussed.