Page 27 - Music

Figure 2.18: A rhythm in four-four time

Counting rhythms according to specific time signatures
In the previous section, you learned how to count different individual notes. In
this section, you will learn how to count rhythms which consist of different notes
written in bars, according to given time signatures. You can use either numbers
or syllables when counting the beats while clapping.

time signature
When counting a rhythms written in four-four time, you need to firstly remember
that there are four crotchet beats in each bar. Therefore, you will count the beats
from one to four in each bar. The examples in figures 2.19 to 2.23 show how to

count out loud while clapping rhythms with notes of different values in a four-
four time.

One two three four One two three four
Ta ta ta ta Ta ta ta ta
Clap clap clap clap Clap clap clap clap

Figure 2.19: Counting crotchets in a four-four time rhythm

One two three four One - and two three - and four
Ta ta ta ta Ta - te ta ta - te ta
Clap clap clap clap Clap - clap clap clap - clap clap

Figure 2.20: Counting crotchets and quavers in a four-four time rhythm

One two three four One (two) three ( four)
Ta ta ta ta Ta - a ta - a
Clap clap clap clap Clap clap

Figure 2.21: Counting crotchets and minims in a four-four time rhythm

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MUSIC 2023 mpya FINAL.indd 21 18/10/2024 13:23