Tool: Rhythm Randomizer

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the perfect tools for building specific skills. Meet Rhythm Randomizer. It does exactly what you think: generates random rhythms for your students to clap, sing, play, etc. All you do is project the Rhythm Randomizer on your board for group practice, or send your students to their devices to work individually. While there is no assessment aspect of the tool, it’s still very cool. You can customize the exercises using the Settings tab, including tempo, pitch, metronome settings, measure count (1, 2, 4, or 8 measures), time signatures, and lots of different rhythms. Once you’ve selected all of your preferences, Rhythm Randomizer will display rhythmic examples on the screen. You can then select a new rhythm, playback the rhythm on the screen or add a metronome to help your students. You can even share your preferred settings with students. Just click Share Settings (when the Settings tab is open) and a unique URL for those settings can be shared with students.

I love these types of tools - “cheap and cheerful”. Rhythm Randomizer is totally free and is a great site to bookmark to use with any of your ensembles. Make this tool a part of your warm up routine - say it, sing it, play it!