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SIGHT-READING RHYTHM   

important
WARNING : You will approach here only the rhythms and measures used in this method.

INTRODUCTION

You will begin your rhythm training in an original way, by appealing to the less theoretical or intellectual data. Certain rhythms will be even approached through examples drawn from popular songs which prove to be excellent mnemonic supports (who has never heard "Twinkle little star", "Jingle Bells" or "Happy birthday"...?)

DEFINITION OF RHYTHM

The rhythm is something relative. The duration of the notes exists only compared to one basic pulsation which one calls beat (or tempo). This flow can be of various degrees speed or slowness, but it is ALWAYS regular (example : tick-tock of a watch, beats of a metronome, etc)
It is essential to get in oneself the feeling of the tempo BEFORE starting a rhythm exercise or one of the pieces in this method. In this connection, have you already observed musicians on stage ? Before starting to play one of them always gives the tempo by counting one or two empty measures (lead in) so that all have the same count feel.

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DURATIONS

Figure I

DEFINITION OF MEASURES

A measure is the division of a piece of music in parts of equal durations whose limits are indicated by the measure lines (see figure II).
Note : in this method you will approach only simple measures notation (each time is made of a simple value (i.e. being divisible by two)).

Figure II

TIME SIGNATURES

The measure length of a piece of music is indicated using time signature : the higher figure indicates the number of counts (pulsations, time) per measure, the lower figure the count value. Below, you will find the table of the measures used in this method (figure III).

Time signaturesFigure III

ASSOCIATED SIGNS

You should know certain signs to read the music and the rhythm correctly.

Figure IV


Figure V


Figure VI


Figure VII

RESTS REPRESENTATION

A rest means that you stop playing for a moment. In the table below (figure VIII) you will find the names, symbols and respective durations of each rest.

Figure VIII

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