MUSICAL
PHRASING
MUSIC’S EFFECT ON YOUR MIND & BODY DURING EXERCISE
According to ‘Psychology Today Magazine (posted January 19, 2016), scientists continue to study how music and mood are inherently linked. Studies prove that the music we listen to engages a wide range of neurological and biological systems that affect our mental well being.
MUSICAL ASPECTS & HOW THEY ARE APPLIED TO OUR RIDE
BPM Cycling™ recognizes the influence music has in the indoor cycling arena. Musical soundtracks heighten the rider's experience several ways:
- Increasing their motivation and physical effort thereby increasing their metabolic efficiency
- Music, in general, distracts the rider from feeling any potential discomfort while they are exercising
- Can make the exercise time more pleasurable
An Instructor will utilize three important aspects of the music while conducting their classes:
- Energy Shifts - Cueing on the One (First beat of each musical phrase)
- Tempo/BPM (Beats Per Minute)
- 16 and 32-count phrases
Utilizing these aspects of music will allow for the instructor to put together and instruct an awesome ride. It will also allow the instructor to talk less and ride more.
MUSICAL ENERGY
The Cambridge Dictionary defines energy as “the power and ability to be physically and mentally active” (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary/english/energy). Energy is a key element to any physical activity. Exercising to upbeat music with a high energy level releases endorphins in your body and enhances your workout. Music of a calmer nature and lower energy level has been known to reduce stress and lower blood pressure levels. Our goals are to achieve these benefits and more. By recognizing these different types of energy in music you can create the best possible ride and workout experience.
INCREASES & DECREASES IN MUSICAL ENERGY
In music, there are two types of energy levels. High and low levels of energy. Let’s take a look at their characteristics.
High Level of Energy
the music has a high intensity, feels like it is pushing forward and has a strong driving pulse. CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC THAT CREATE HIGH ENERGY LEVELS:
- A strong rhythmic pulse that is driving the music like the locomotive on a train
- Multiple instruments or sounds playing separate melodies simultaneously
- Multiple instruments or sounds playing at different frequency levels (example of different frequencies; High [also known as treble], Mid, & Low [also known as bass])
Lower Level of Energy
the music has a decreased intensity, it is going to create a feeling of release and have a more stagnant feel. CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC THAT CREATE LOWER ENERGY LEVELS:
- A subtraction of a strong rhythmic pulse that leaves space to let the music breathe (i.e. the subtraction of the drums)
- Melodic lines that have a lesser rhythmic value. In other words, instead of many notes packed into each measure of music; the notes will be held, stretched and elongated over multiple measures
- Fewer instruments or sounds being played simultaneously
HOW TO ADDRESS SHIFTS IN MUSICAL ENERGY DURING YOUR RIDE
We use high level energy sections of music to:
• Have the riders performing various moves while pedaling in time to the music
• Cue attacks or sprints
• Push the riders to their maximal heart rate and workout potential
We use low level energy sections of music to:
• Instruct the riders to go to a standing position, 4-5 resistance and a 1 cadence, allowing for them to breathe deeply preparing for the next section of the ride
• Allow for a water break (1 Resistance and 1 Cadence)
• Have the riders perform a heart rate check
• Reiterate proper form on the bike or how a certain move is performed
• Prepare the rider for upcoming moves, attacks and combinations.
TEACHING TO MUSIC
BPM Cycle™ signature moves were created to synchronize with the beat structure of music therefore giving a safe, consistent and effective teaching style. Fitness music, most often, has a set tempo/BPM arranged in 32-count phrases and a time signature of 4/4. This musical structure allows for fitness instructors to plan a cohesive work out that stays in time and choreographed with the music.
Music is divided into phrases, phrases are divided into measures, measures are divided into counts. The 32-count phrase in fitness music has 4 counts per measure, 8 measures and 32 counts. Finding this 32- count phrase is going to be the backbone of teaching your BPM class to music.
UNDERSTANDING TEMPO AND BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE)
Tempo is the speed of the beat or the “count”. Tempo is expressed in Beats Per Minute (BPM). For example, at 120 BPM there will be 120 beats in one minute.
In fitness music the tempo or the BPM will stay constant from the beginning to the end of a song. For example, if a song is set at 130BPM, it will stay at that tempo marking from start to finish. It is very rare for a song to change tempo/BPM. This is not a common occurrence in fitness music, but on the rare occasion it happens, it is done intentionally to create musical consistency. Do not confuse tempo with music energy. Music energy does change throughout the song and instructors should cue moves in synch with such energy changes.
TIME SIGNATURE OF 4/4 & 32 COUNT PHRASE
The two numbers in the time signature tell you how many counts are in each measure of music. Music with a time signature of 4/4 has 4 counts per measure. Those 4 counts equal one measure of music.
Below are the components that make up a 32-count phrase:
• 4 counts (beats) equals one measure
• There are 8 measures total in a 32-count phrase
• Eight measures consist of 32 individual counts
THE 1
CUEING BPM CYCLE™ MOVES
In Module 6, we outlined our various BPM Cycle™ moves and counts. Now, let’s apply them to the 32-count phrase we find in fitness music.
There are three different counting methods incorporated into the BPM moves.
The 2 count move
◦ cueing the change of position for that move every two counts [the 2 count move will have the highest intensity level]
The 4 count move
◦ cueing the change of position for that move every four counts [the 4 count move will have a medium intensity]
The 8 count move
◦ cueing the change of position for that move every eight counts [the 8 count move will have the least amount of intensity]
NOTE: NOT ALL MOVES WILL BE CUED BACK TO BACK SO IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO CUE THE MOVES STARTING IN A STANDING POSITION AND CUE ON THE 1ST BEAT (DOWN BEAT) OF THE PHRASE THAN FOCUSING ENDING THE MOVE ON THE LAST NOTE.