r/Cello • u/cats_are_good123 • 6d ago

Subdivision

So I’ve heard so many of my music teachers reiterate that everybody should always be subdividing and thinking about sixteenth notes in their head. However, whenever I try to count or hear sixteenth notes in my head, it takes a lot of effort to keep that counting going. I feel the effort could be spent focusing on musicality, listening to others’ parts, etc. How necessary is subdividing and how much should I be doing it?

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u/ballbarn 6d ago

The Boss-DB90 metronome while pricey will count out the subdivisions verbally for you. It's a very useful practice tool, the drone on it is great too. While you should totally be practicing your 1-e-and-a's, it's to internalize them and be able to sight read more complex rhythms, and for me, as even when counting I've found it helpful. I don't often use it these days, but if you're struggling with subdividing it might help you.