Lesson 1 Summary:

RHYTHMS

Rhythm- Time in music (Beat of music)

Tempo- the speed of the beat, the pulse
o Largo (approx. 45-65 beats/minute)- slow, large, long
o Adagio (approx. 66-75 beats/minute)-slow
o Andante (approx. 80-110 beats/minute)- walking pulse, steady tempo
o Moderato (approx. 112-120 beats/minute)- moderate tempo
o Allegro (approx. 120-170 beats/minute)- happy, fast
o Presto (approx. 170-210 beats/minute)- very fast
Meter- the organization of beats within patterns. These patterns can be
recognized through hearing, seeing, or feeling accents in the meter.
o Duple Meter- a pulse of 2 beats per measure
o Triple Meter- a pulse of 3 beats per measure
o Quadruple Meter- a pulse of 4 beats per measure
*Remember in all meters, the strongest beat will be Beat 1, in the quadruple, the 1st beat
is the strongest beat, and the 3rd beat is a strong beat, although it is not as strong as the 1st
beat
*Also, remember that in a meter, for example, 4/4, the top number indicates the amount
of beats per measure, and the bottom number indicates which kind of the note will get the
beat. Ill add a link where they give a very straight-forward and clear examples of this:
http://datadragon.com/education/reading/timesig.shtml
*Additionally, keep in mind that in meters such as 5/4, 7/4, etc, the pulse will be grouped
in for example: 5/4: 2+3, 3+2, or in a 7/4: 3+4, 4+3,
Syncopation-This is an accent that is not played exactly on the beat, it is usually
played in between the counted beats. The example we used today was the old
trumpet version of Los Montes y Valles
Quick and easy vocabulary: Ritardando (The gradual decrease in tempo)
Accelerando (The gradual increase in tempo) Rubato (a slight and indirect
change in tempo, this is usually used with freedom, and in melodic and rhythmic
improvisations; in other words, the tempo is not stuck in a box)

Homework:
1) Listen to Take Five by Dave Brubeck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHdU5sHigYQ
Figure out what kind of meter this is, and what the corresponding subdivision of the
meter it is
2) Practice rhythms
http://www.samuelstokesmusic.com/rhythm.html
Try to the best of your ability to practice these rhythms in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 5/4
You can do one of each per day if you like, but give yourself at least 15 mins of constant
practice with a metronome. You can play melodic lines instead of clapping the beats if
you wish. Scales, melodies, long tones, whatever you like!

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to ask me!