Duration

Time Signature

Explain the metre, or how many beats are in each bar. Also tells you the duration of each beat.

Simple Time

Simple or whole beats such as crotchets (1 beat) or minims (2 beats)

Compound Time

Dotted beats (adds half the value - 1 1/2) It feels like 3 beats in a bar, but the beats are quicker. 8 on the bottom means quavers grouped in dotted crotchet beats.

Multimetre

Pieces that use numerous changes in time signatures in quick succession - A piece that keeps changing its metre. e.g. 3/4 to 6/8 to 2/4.

Accent

Emphasis or stress placed on a specific note, this can be done by playing the note louder, or increasing duration. E.g. in 4/4 time, the first note may have a stronger accent than the third.

Syncopation

Where the accent is on the weaker beat. E.g. in 4/4, if the beat is not on the 1st and 3rd beats of a bar, there is probably some form of syncopation.

What is two ways syncopation can be achieved?

Accenting the notes that usually are accented, or moving notes onto the weaker beats of a bar.

Backbeat is a form of...

Syncopation where the accent occurs on second and fourth beats, instead of first and third.

Polyrhythm

Two or more conflicting rhythm patterns within the same pulse. Often in heavily syncopated pieces that combine different metres.

Cross Rhythm is where...

2 different time signatures are played at the same time. Commonly heard as 3/4 against 6/8.

Free Rhythm describes when...

The beat is indefinite and unrestricted. It is a rhythm that can't often be clapped to as it is difficult to know where the regular accents occur.

Ostinato

Repeated pattern of pitch or rhythm in all or part of a piece. Riff is similar, however it may not be played as much and is only used for popular music pieces.

Lento, Adagio and Andante are fast or slow?

Slow

Allegro, Vivace and Presto are fast or slow?

Fast

Accelerando means to

gradually get faster

Ritardando means to

gradually slow down

Rubato

ebb and flow, creating climaxes in each phrase. You steal part of the value of a note and play it back on the next. Rubato consists of mini-accelerando and mini-ritardando parts.

Draw a bass clef

Draw a repeat sign

Draw an accent sign

Draw a treble clef

Draw a crotchet rest