RhythmLabs
RhythmLabs Get involved

Rhythm to build cognitive function supporting literacy.

Our mission

There are over 200 million children in schools in India, many of whom lack access to any form of music education. This RhythmLabs training program is designed for children aged between 6 and 14 and uses rhythm modules to develop a child’s coordination and awareness through repeated body percussion. This trains the brain to predict the next beat and tell the body to move at a precise moment.

Based on research, the program also aims to improve working memory, as every call-and-response exercise requires children to hold a rhythm by listening and then play it back. Working memory is a cognitive function that is known to support literacy development.

In the classroom

Program

What is rhythm?

A pattern of sound and silence in time. The base of music, poetry and movement.

How does RhythmLabs use it?

Kids repeat beats with their bodies. This trains the brain to predict the next beat and move at exactly the right moment.

Program outline

A 12-session curriculum with an assessment at the end, broken into 3 phases, each with clearly defined goals and outcomes.

Phase 1 · Sessions 1–4

Basics of the beat

  • Introduction and foundation of rhythm: basic concepts of clapping, stomping and tapping
  • Rhythm notation and varied tempos
  • Group activities to introduce ensemble playing
Phase 2 · Sessions 5–8

Patterns and teamwork

  • Pattern recognition and coordination: call-and-response exercises and pattern recognition activities
  • Subdivision of beats, used in group activities and later in the final composition
  • Rests and different time signatures
Phase 3 · Sessions 9–12

Make and perform

  • Composition and performance: writing original 4-bar rhythms and refining key concepts
  • Creating phrases and learning to create together
  • Rehearsal in ensemble groups to build communication and active listening skills
Download the training handbook
story

Why did I start RhythmLabs?

2014 onwards

It started with a piano.

I began classical piano as a child at the Symphony Orchestra of India Academy, playing solo and with an ensemble.

Dec 2025

A jam that changed everything.

I jammed with a band of kids who made music on recycled cans. No fancy instruments. Their attention and cognitive function hit hard.

Jan – Mar 2026

Then came a question.

What does rhythm do to a child’s mind? It got me thinking. I researched rhythm and cognition, and spoke to music educationists.

Apr – Jul 2026

So I built RhythmLabs.

In collaboration with music educationists, I designed a rhythm training program.

Aug 2026

Then it reached the classroom.

We launched with an NGO working on children’s enrichment and literacy.

and the beat goes on…

Get involved

Training Handbook coming soon!

Back to the training

Videos

A preview of a few classroom sessions

Partners

The people who make it happen.

SahyogNGO partner
To be announced
Partner with us

Press

Bring RhythmLabs to your school

For government schools. Kids aged 10–12.

You get

  • 12 ready-to-run sessions
  • A step-by-step teacher guide
  • No music training needed

You give

  • A room
  • One class
  • 1 hour a week

Kids build

  • Working memory

Tell us about your school

We’ll call you back.

thank you!

Got it. We’ll be in touch soon.

Get involved

thank you!

Got it. We’ll be in touch soon.