Supplement your instrumental or vocal study and improve your musical timekeeping. You will play in these online sessions, read and write rhythms, and work by ear.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Improve your rhythmic perception, execution, writing, reading and theoretical knowledge on this practical course. Sometimes you'll play your instrument, other times you will use your hands and your voice.
What will we cover?
- Rhythmic perception comes first and the theory will follow - Playing by ear, reading and writing rhythms - identifying time signatures and musical form will be explored through active listening - Playing activities will include keeping the pulse, on/off beat rhythms, syncopation, copying what you hear.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Demonstrate a heightened aural awareness of rhythm - Demonstrate improved confidence in playing rhythm and keeping good time - Develop understanding of theoretical concerns around rhythm - Improve your reading and writing skills
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should already have basic musicianship skills including music reading and be able to sing or play an instrument.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessions will be participatory and experiential. Activities will include conducting, dictation, playing by ear, reading notation and playing percussion (if you have such) and playing your instrument.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have manuscript paper, pencil and eraser.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course will provide a good grounding to go into sight singing, musicianship and aural courses, and supplements any instrumental activity. City Lit offers a wide range of Musicianship courses that enhance your practical study.
Known for his versatility, Matt Fisher is a sought-after drummer and percussionist based in London. Matt has performed and collaborated with some of the UK’s most prominent musicians such as Tina May, Jacqui Dankworth, Najma Akhtar, Nikki Illes, Steve Waterman, Anita Wardell and Christine Tobin. Working in a variety of styles from pop and rock, to jazz and orchestral, Matt has toured and performed around the world including India, USA, Morocco, Mexico and across Europe. Matt is endorsed by Kandu Percussion and Rohema drum sticks. As well as having a busy performing schedule, Matt is teacher of drum kit at St Paul’s School, Emanuel School, and is also an examiner for Trinity College London. Matt has contributed articles to the Modern Drummer Magazine (USA) and was a product reviewer for Rhythm Magazine (UK). Matt received a First Class Honours degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and completed his Masters degree in Jazz Performance at Trinity College of Music, London. Matt commenced teaching at City Lit in 2025.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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You will play in these online sessions, read and write rhythms, and work by ear.</p>- Rhythmic perception comes first and the theory will follow<br/>- Playing by ear, reading and writing rhythms<br/>- identifying time signatures and musical form will be explored through active listening<br/>- Playing activities will include keeping the pulse, on/off beat rhythms, syncopation, copying what you hear.<p>- Demonstrate a heightened aural awareness of rhythm<br/>- Demonstrate improved confidence in playing rhythm and keeping good time<br/>- Develop understanding of theoretical concerns around rhythm<br/>- Improve your reading and writing skills</p><p>You should already have basic musicianship skills including music reading and be able to sing or play an instrument.</p><p>Sessions will be participatory and experiential. Activities will include conducting, dictation, playing by ear, reading notation and playing percussion (if you have such) and playing your instrument.</p><p>Please have manuscript paper, pencil and eraser.</p>This course will provide a good grounding to go into sight singing, musicianship and aural courses, and supplements any instrumental activity.<br/>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-musicianshiptarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship</a> courses that enhance your practical study.MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual3004036Rhythm class7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1765367640/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-09T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJul 2026Performing artsMG4247979Rhythm class797979Matt Fisherrhythm-class/mg424-2526<p>Supplement your instrumental or vocal study and improve your musical timekeeping. 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You will play in these online sessions, read and write rhythms, and work by ear.</p>- Rhythmic perception comes first and the theory will follow<br/>- Playing by ear, reading and writing rhythms<br/>- identifying time signatures and musical form will be explored through active listening<br/>- Playing activities will include keeping the pulse, on/off beat rhythms, syncopation, copying what you hear.<p>- Demonstrate a heightened aural awareness of rhythm<br/>- Demonstrate improved confidence in playing rhythm and keeping good time<br/>- Develop understanding of theoretical concerns around rhythm<br/>- Improve your reading and writing skills</p><p>You should already have basic musicianship skills including music reading and be able to sing or play an instrument.</p><p>Sessions will be participatory and experiential. Activities will include conducting, dictation, playing by ear, reading notation and playing percussion (if you have such) and playing your instrument.</p><p>Please have manuscript paper, pencil and eraser.</p>This course will provide a good grounding to go into sight singing, musicianship and aural courses, and supplements any instrumental activity.<br/>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-musicianshiptarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship</a> courses that enhance your practical study.MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual89,7989,7989,79MG417,MG424NONEWed,Thu14/01/26 - 18/02/2618:00 - 19:1518:0019:156 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetMatt FisherSome experienceAvailable courses2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-09T00:00:00+00:00EveningJan 2026,Jul 2026Performing arts7989,79Rhythm classrhythm-class/mg417-2526,rhythm-class/mg424-2526<p>Supplement your instrumental or vocal study and improve your musical timekeeping. 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You will play in these online sessions, read and write rhythms, and work by ear.</p>- Rhythmic perception comes first and the theory will follow<br/>- Playing by ear, reading and writing rhythms<br/>- identifying time signatures and musical form will be explored through active listening<br/>- Playing activities will include keeping the pulse, on/off beat rhythms, syncopation, copying what you hear.<p>- Demonstrate a heightened aural awareness of rhythm<br/>- Demonstrate improved confidence in playing rhythm and keeping good time<br/>- Develop understanding of theoretical concerns around rhythm<br/>- Improve your reading and writing skills</p><p>You should already have basic musicianship skills including music reading and be able to sing or play an instrument.</p><p>Sessions will be participatory and experiential. Activities will include conducting, dictation, playing by ear, reading notation and playing percussion (if you have such) and playing your instrument.</p><p>Please have manuscript paper, pencil and eraser.</p>This course will provide a good grounding to go into sight singing, musicianship and aural courses, and supplements any instrumental activity.<br/>City Lit offers a wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-musicianshiptarget=_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship</a> courses that enhance your practical study.MusicMusic theory & musicianshipconfigurable
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