Overview of Rhythm Course

Here's a general overview of what we'll cover in this video course on rhythm reading. First we'll discuss the basic note-lengths, the quarter note, half note, and whole note. We'll talk about the concept of measures, time signatures, and counting.


In order that we can actually sing the examples, we'll introduce four notes that we can form into many different melodies to demonstrate various rhythmic examples. We'll talk about duple and triple meters and cut time.


We'll introduce new notations for ties, dotted notes, and rests, and the idea of pick-up notes. We'll distinguish between simple meters and compound meters. Then we'll introduce eighth notes and the idea of syncopation. Triplets, sixteenth notes, and more complex syncopation will follow.


We'll finish up by talking about unusual time signatures, and cases where time signatures change within a piece. We'll touch on the rare use of 32nd notes and shorter. And we'll touch on hemiola, the interplay of duple and triple rhythms.


The course will be filled with opportunities to sing the various examples and exercises. By the time you're finished, you should be confident in handling any rhythm that you encounter. Let's go on to the next lesson and actually start learning this stuff.

Complete and Continue