Repetition Counting
There are two different methods of counting, each performing a different function. When learning a new musical idea, the count is dependant upon the notes within that musical idea, e.g.:
This is a standard counting system.
Once comfortable, many repetitions of the musical idea are needed in order to master it. Practice is basically a two part process:
- Learning
- Repetition
Learning requires standard counting. Repetition requires repetition counting.
Repetition counting, as the name suggests, is a counting system designed to count each repetition of a musical idea. When counting to one hundred there are three differences between repetition counting and the regular numeric counting system:
- Seven becomes Sen
- Eleven becomes Len
- Most ty syllables are omitted
Each of these changes reduces syllables. The reduction in syllables facilitates greater speed and rhythm when counting. Counting thirty bars of * time using the repetition counting system would look like this:
The following features can be seen from the previous text:
- Counting to twelve can be done monosyllabically (using only one syllable).
- From thirteen onwards all number counts use two syllables.
- Each syllable falls on a new quarter note, e.g.:
- From twenty onwards, the syllable ty only appears on the first count of each group of ten.
Counting using one syllable per beat (quarter note) serves two functions:
- It allows us to count at a greater speed.
- It instills and reinforces a constant rhythmic quarter note pulse.
Using a maximum of two syllables for all number counts up to one hundred (the one hundredth bar would be counted 
) allows this counting system usage with any time signature, e.g., % , ^ * etc.
Counting beyond one hundred is impossible without using a lot of syllables per number count. Bear in mind, in * time at a tempo of 60 BPM, counting one hundred repetitions would take 6.666 minutes. However, if multiple lots of one hundred repetitions is required, use the same counting system but keep track of each group of one hundred reps (repetitions) by hitting a different sound source, e.g.:
The repetition counting system has the following advantages:
- The brain sorts by differences. Giving each repetition a different "name" makes each rep different and also lays down markers of time. This facilitates greater memory retention.
- It instills and reinforces a constant quarter note pulse.
- It strengthens our level of concentration.
- It allows us to count at great speed.
- It adds an extra degree of difficulty to a musical idea, as our brain needs to concentrate on another task. Task splitting the brain into greater divisions forces it to learn a musical idea to the degree where less concentration is needed to execute that idea.
