Page 34 - Music

When counting beats in written music, the first beat in every bar is accented.
This means, it receives the strongest stress or emphasis. When counting using
numbers (One-two-three-four) or syllables (ta-te), the first number or syllables
(One or Ta) in each bar will be pronounced louder than others. When counting
while clapping, the first clap in each bar will be much stressed than others. See
the examples shown in figures 2.39 to 2.41 on how to count beats in written
music while observing accents. Note that, all accented beats have been named

with bolded words.

One two three four One two three (four) One ____ three four

Ta ta ta ta Ta ta ta - a Ta ____ ta ta

Clap clap clap clap Clap clap clap Clap ____ clap clap

Figure 2.39: Counting a rhythm in four-four time while observing accents

One ____ three One two - and three One (two) three
Ta ____ ta Ta ta - te ta Ta - a ta
Clap ____ clap Clap clap - clap clap Clap clap

Figure 2.40: Counting a rhythm in three-four time while observing accents

One two - and One two One (two)

Ta ta - te Ta ta Ta - a
Clap clap - clap Clap clap Clap

Figure 2.41: Counting a rhythm in two-four time while observing accents

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MUSIC 2023 mpya FINAL.indd 28 18/10/2024 13:24