Course 1: New Readers
Unit 3: Dots and Ties
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Same Rhythm, Three Ways
The first three measures feature three ways to write the same rhythm! Measure one has 'mi' with ties. Ties add rhythmic value to each connected with the curved line afterwards. Measure two combines two of the eighth notes into one quarter note with a tie to one eighth note, and the third measure shows the same rhythm using a dotted-quarter note. The dotted-quarter note is worth three eighth notes in musical timing. The rhythm counts are included in this introductory example.
Treble Clef,
Cmaj,
4/4
The first three measures feature three ways to write the same rhythm! Measure one has 'mi' with ties. Ties add rhythmic value to each connected with the curved line afterwards. Measure two combines two of the eighth notes into one quarter note with a tie to one eighth note, and the third measure shows the same rhythm using a dotted-quarter note. The dotted-quarter note is worth three eighth notes in musical timing. The rhythm counts are included in this introductory example.
Feeling Sub-Division
Compare the first and last two measures carefully. The dotted-quarter note is worth three eighth notes. So, the 're' for each pairing happen at the same relative timing which causes the single eighth note to have its own flag in measures 2 and 4 instead of a beam. Keeping the timing for all three notes within a dotted rhythm is called feeling the "sub-division." Doing that will make you very accurate in rhythm!
Treble Clef,
Cmaj,
4/4
Compare the first and last two measures carefully. The dotted-quarter note is worth three eighth notes. So, the 're' for each pairing happen at the same relative timing which causes the single eighth note to have its own flag in measures 2 and 4 instead of a beam. Keeping the timing for all three notes within a dotted rhythm is called feeling the "sub-division." Doing that will make you very accurate in rhythm!
Arch-Shaped Contour
When listening and practicing, try to feel the subdivision by tapping along with all eighth notes (the speed of the first four notes) through the whole exercise. The melodic contour moves up in the first half and back down in the second half.
Treble Clef,
Cmaj,
4/4
When listening and practicing, try to feel the subdivision by tapping along with all eighth notes (the speed of the first four notes) through the whole exercise. The melodic contour moves up in the first half and back down in the second half.
A Time To Tie
Dotted rhythms usually are written on strong beats, beat 1 and 3. When the same duration is needed over strong beats, ties are used to allow the reader to see when the strong beat occurs. Beat one and three are stronger. Notice you can see when beat three happens in measure one and three by use of ties. And, beware the opposite pattern happening with those last two notes!
Treble Clef,
Cmaj,
4/4
Dotted rhythms usually are written on strong beats, beat 1 and 3. When the same duration is needed over strong beats, ties are used to allow the reader to see when the strong beat occurs. Beat one and three are stronger. Notice you can see when beat three happens in measure one and three by use of ties. And, beware the opposite pattern happening with those last two notes!
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