ARTIST FEATURE: From Juilliard to USC and from symphony stages to first prizes at international guitar competitions, meet Bokyung Byun, classical guitarist and pedagogue from South Korea. She is joining us this week as our featured artist. Let’s see what she has to say about rhythm and time in music!

1) Why is rhythm important?

Rhythm is an essential element of all music. It is what makes us tap our feet, sway from side to side, and connect with sounds.

2) How do you practice your rhythm and sense of time?

I would say I almost always practice with a metronome. I do it especially with new pieces to establish a a strong sense of pulse so that I can have fluidity in phrasing and timing without rushing or dragging beats.

3) What are your favorite rhythmic exercises?

Metronome is a great tool to monitor your progress. Practicing music requires a lot of patience, and progress is not always linear so it can be difficult to measure. Therefore, having a metronome is a great way to set goals, visualize, and keep track of your progress. As I said above, metronome also helps us gain a theoretical understanding of rhythm, which allows us to play with freedom without loosing a sense of pulse.

4) Can you name one thing that you like about the metronome on Metronome Online?

I love that it gives easy access to a metronome for everyone. It’s accessible through any device, anywhere. It also keeps track of your practice sessions like a practice journal!

VIDEO: Check out Bo’s amazing performance of El Villano by the famous Italian-American composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco by clicking on the video below.