Introduction

Simple Meter: Quarter-Note Beat

In this chapter, we focus on simple-meter time signatures in which the quarter note is assigned to the beat. Chapter 1A includes excerpts that use 2/4 as a time signature and feature only half, quarter, and eighth notes. In Chapter 1B, the rhythmic complexity of Chapter 1A is maintained, and the challenge becomes one of attending to the more involved metrical hierarchies of triple and quadruple meter.

Chapter 1C introduces ties, the dotted quarter note, and the first example of traditional broken-beam vocal notation. While other texts may offer a chapter or two in which this notation style is the singular focus, we have elected to integrate these examples alongside other rhythmically similar excerpts throughout the book. This allows students to compare broken- and conventionally beamed notation styles side by side, developing strategies to navigate whichever is more difficult and/or relevant to their own musicianship.

In Chapter 1D, the beat and its division are further divided to create the beat subdivision, which is notated as sixteenth notes throughout this chapter and in Chapter 2. The skills developed in Chapter 1C are required for many—but not all—of the excerpts in Chapter 1D, so students may complete 1C before moving to 1D, or they may alternate between the two as needed.

Chapter 1E introduces the dotted eighth note. It also features more challenging examples of ties and syncopation, particularly at the beat-division level. 

While we have ordered the examples in these chapters by difficulty, students should be able to skip around somewhat freely within each chapter.