INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn simple and link meters. Girlfriend will likewise begin come sight-read compositions developed especially for this series!
NOTATIONS
Simple vs. Compound Meter ExplainedIn Unit 2 friend learned to define meter in terms of exactly how a measure is damaged down into beats. Duple meter is damaged into 2 beats per measure; triple meter into three beats per measure; and also quadruple meter into four beats every measure.
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The terms introduced in this unit—simple and compound—describe how a beat is damaged down into smaller subdivisions. Simply put, to win are typically subdivided (AKA damaged down) right into twos or threes. Meters the subdivide most that the beats into two equal components are called simple meters; meters the subdivide most the the beats into three equal components are dubbed compound meters. This look at small distinction makes huge difference in feel. For me, music in straightforward meter feel angular, whereas music in compound meter feels round. Let’s explore this distinction further.
Both examples below consist of four beats per measure and also are thus in quadruple meter. However, the an initial one is in simple quadruple meter and also the second is in compound quadruple meter.
Simple Meter Example
In straightforward meter many beats are damaged into 2 equal parts. Notice how the eighth notes space beamed in groups of two to emphasize the subdivision that the beat.

Therefore, in simple meter, each beat is stood for by a 4 minutes 1 note.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Simple-Meter-Simple-Quadruple-example.mp3
Compound Meter Example
In compound meter most beats are damaged into three equal parts. Notice how the eighth notes room beamed in teams of three to emphasize the subdivision that the beat.

Therefore, in compound meter, each beat is stood for by a dotted-quarter note.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Compound-Meter-Compound-Quadruple-Audio.mp3
Six types of typical MeterSimilarly, duple and triple meters deserve to be expiersonforcongress.com in an easy and compound together well. Thus, there room six varieties of traditional meter in western music:
Simple Duple
In simple duple meter most beats divide right into eighth notes. There are two beats every measure and each beat is a quarter note.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Simple-Duple-Audio.mp3
Simple TripleIn basic triple meter most beats divide into eighth notes. There are three beats every measure and each win is a quarter note.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Simple-Triple-Audio.mp3
Simple QuadrupleIn straightforward quadruple meter many beats divide into eighth notes. Over there are four beats every measure and also each beat is a quarter note.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Simple-Meter-Simple-Quadruple-example.mp3
Compound DupleIn link duple meter most beats divide right into three eighth notes. There space two beats per measure and each beat is equivalent to a dotted-quarter note. This meter deserve to be counting in a variety of ways. The graphic over presents 2 options. I recommend using the second option because it emphasizes the duple feel.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Compound-Duple.mp3
Compound TripleIn link triple meter many beats divide right into three eighth notes. There room three beats per measure and also each win is identical to a dotted-quarter note. This meter can be counting in a variety of ways. The graphic over presents 2 options. Ns recommend using the second option since it emphasizes the triple feel.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Compound-Triple-Audio.mp3
Compound QuadrupleIn link quadruple meter many beats divide right into three eighth notes. There are four beats per measure and also each to win is indistinguishable to a dotted-quarter note. This meter have the right to be count in a variety of ways. The graphic over presents two options. I recommend utilizing the second option because it emphasizes the quadruple feel.
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Compound-Meter-Compound-Quadruple-Audio.mp3
The HemiolaThe hemiola is a machine in i m sorry rhythmic accents switch from 2 beats subdivided in three components to 3 beats subdivided in two parts (or angry versa). It create excitement and also energy. I indicate you emphasize the readjust in interval whenever you conference a hemiola.
The Hemiola in compound MeterWhen a hemiola shows up in compound meter the rhythmic accents switch from 2 beats subdivided in three parts to three beats subdivided in two parts.
The Hemiola in basic MeterWhen a hemiola shows up in simple meter the rhythmic accents move from three beats subdivided in two components to 2 beats subdivided in 3 parts.
Simple vs. Link Meter Time Signatures
Top number of the Time SignatureTo identify meter, you have the right to employ the following brief cut. Look come the top variety of the time signature.
Simple duple | 2 |
Simple triple | 3 |
Simple quadruple | 4 |
Compound duple | 6 |
Compound triple | 9 |
Compound quadruple | 12 |
Simple MeterAs you learned in Unit 2, the bottom number of the time signature, in basic meter, coincides to the type of keep in mind that i do not care a single beat (AKA pulse, in this case). Therefore, if the bottom number is ‘4,’ climate each beat is represented by a 4 minutes 1 note. It’s quite simple, i beg your pardon is why it is called straightforward meter.
Compound MeterIn link meter, the bottom variety of the time signature coincides to the kind of note that i do not care a one-third department of the to win (AKA pulse, in this case). If compound meter is notated such that the dotted-quarter keep in mind is the beat (as in the examples above) climate the eighth note is the one-third division of the dotted-quarter. Hence, the number ‘8’ takes the location of the bottom number of the time signature.
Let’s Play |
Sight-Reading Tip
Sight-reading empowers girlfriend to communicate with music girlfriend may have actually never heard before. Numerous musicians derive oodles of delight from happen music notation come life because that the very first hearing. That is like unwrapping a present! Further, sight-reading creates an possibility to decision whether a piece is precious investing the time required to make it performance-ready.
When I began sight-reading for the purpose of scouting brand-new performance repertoire, I finally stopped confuse the plot of sight-reading v the act of performing. When I sight-read, my goal is come get a sense that the shape, character and also difficulties the a piece. Sometimes, mistakes do not acquire in the way of achieving the goal, i beg your pardon is why they deserve to be ignored. However, as soon as I prepare because that performance, my score is come master the shape, character and difficulties that a piece. In this case, mistake are an essential to score attainment. Mistakes are obstacles that, when overcome, clear the path to greater mastery.
I want you to experience the difference between a sight-reading attitude and also a performance-preparation attitude. This was one of my motivations for commissioning composers to compose over thirty initial duet compositions because that this series. You carry out not have to perfect these compositions. Every you have to do is sight-read them. If girlfriend don’t like the piece, feel totally free to proceed through the series without mastering it. However, if you perform like one or more of the compositions, i encourage you to change from a sight-reading mindset to a performance-preparation perspective so you can include them to her performance repertoire. The initial compositions are accessible in the Appendix together a collection entitled The Obelisks.
Checklist because that Sight-Reading
Count the beats out loud (including the &).Keep going (even if you make a mistake).Maintain your best playing posture.Look in ~ the score, no your hands.Play through the feel of the meter.Play patterns instead of individual notes (AKA chunk).Cultivate a patience demeanor.Have fun!Let’s pat Rhythms |
Attitude Tip
The many beautiful point we can experience is the mysterious. That is the source of every true art and science. –Albert Einstein
Throughout this unit the count-in click for piece in compound meter will incorporate the eighth note subdivision of each beat. Focus will be inserted on the start of every beat to assist establish the compound meter feel .
Exercise 9.1: Score
Exercise 9.1: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.1-Audio-II.mp3
Exercise 9.2: Score
Exercise 9.2: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.2-Audio.mp3
Exercise 9.3: Score
Exercise 9.3: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.3-Audio.mp3
Let’s play Patterns |
Attitude Tip
I have actually no distinct talents, i am just passionately curious. –Albert Einstein
Exercise 9.4: Score
Exercise 9.4: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.4-Audio.mp3
Let’s beat Duets |
Attitude Tip
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure because that curiosity. –Dorothy Parker
from Sumer is Icumen In: Score
from Sumer is Icumen In: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.5-Audio.mp3
from Have a Drink top top Me: Score
from Have a Drink on Me: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.6-Audio.mp3
Gigue native Partita in A Minor by Johann Anton Logy: Score
Gigue: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Exercise-9.7-Audio.mp3
The Obelisks
The compositions written for this series are complied into a collection called The Obelisks. The collection is obtainable for viewing and also downloading in the attachment (forthcoming). Ns hope friend are motivated to perform these pieces and learn around the composers who added to this series.
Let’s pat Compositions |
These compositions are under the an innovative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 worldwide License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
See more: What Does A Sprig Of Rosemary Look Like, What Is A Sprig
Attitude Tip
Curiosity is the engine the achievement. –Sir Ken Robinson
The an initial Time Alone by john Baboukis: Score
The very first Time Alone: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/First-Time-Alone-Audio.mp3
Before, No. 1 from Brief Moments by note Popeney: Score
Before, No. 1 indigenous Brief Moments: Audio
https://piersonforcongress.com/app/uploads/sites/81/2018/03/Before-Audio.mp3
Congratulations!
You have actually completed this unit! If you maintained up through the beat and accurately played roughly 70% the the pitches and rhythms, you are all set for the next unit. Feel complimentary to repeat the exercises. However, carry out not play them so regularly that friend memorize them. As soon as you memorize the notation, you room no longer arising the skill of sight-reading.