Notating Rhythms in Simple and Compound Meters

Abstract

This nine-video series is designed to teach students the rules of rhythmic notation. Videos 1–4 cover the basic elements of rhythmic notation and the mechanics of simple, compound, and irregular meters. Videos 5–9 then show how to notate rhythms in simple and compound meters by explaining the correct use of beams, ties, rests, and other notational devices. Included with these videos is a set of six worksheets (plus answer keys) and a six-page handout that summarizes the rules covered in Videos 5–9. These materials are intended to be used as part of the fundamentals portion of a standard first-year theory curriculum, but they will also be of use to students in any course that emphasizes precise music notation (e.g., Orchestration).