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Sierra V.B., Australia

I’ve used some tracks (blues mostly) with all my students (as young as 7) and none have any trouble understanding or hearing where the beat is… Easiest way I think of it is ‘the thing you bob your head to when you’re listening to a song on the radio or TV etc’… Only difficulty is if they try to play something complex and then forget to listen to the track haha. Because we are already familiar with the blues scale I use that track most (and it has a great ‘band’ sound!) but it would depend on where your students are at.

Gabrielle B., Iowa

I’ve been using the MAC with all my students, it’s at the bottom of the Foundation Level 1 material under the audio files. None of my students have any trouble with any of them after listening to them by themselves. I would however make sure you tell them to download on a computer or newest iPad as a phone can not unzip the file. This is my new favorite thing!!

Ian B., California

I’ve started using Eliza as my go to at the first lesson. It works so well with improv on the Black Keys. I’ve also been introducing the Dreams and NS soundtracks as bonus/continuation projects after they’ve shown success with original audio. I see the “playing with the band” as a natural extension after the song is learned. I’ve also had success using the blues soundtracks to help students who struggle maintaining a steady even beat. Hunter’s Blues is a great precursor to AMB for younger students and those that aren’t quite ready for AMB.

Leeanne I., Australia

Assign the students to practice it at home during the week. Make sure they are really listening to the track and just doing body percussion, no playing. Singing along helps you hear where your ‘playing’ and the track fit together.

Ian B., California

Rhythm is part of natural musicality. But remember that we still need STP [Single Thought Process]. WHAT to play before HOW to play. Don’t worry much about the beat when first introducing Eliza. Some students just get it right away and others will need time at home to listen, process, and gain some familiarity with the sound. They also need time to get used to managing their fingers on the Black Keys.

There will be plenty more ops to focus more on rhythm down the road a bit so I’d stay more hands off with students that don’t catch on right away.