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Beats and bars

Three four time signature, dotted notes, ties.

Let's remember that a time signature consists of two numbers. The upper one indicates the number of beats in the bar and the lower number indicates the note value that represents the beat unit. A 3/4 bar signature implies that there are three beats in each bar.

Exercise 1

You've got a stave here to keep the beat while you name the notes. You have also the sound file to help you feel the 3/4 beat as it combines the notes with a metronome beat.

keeping the beat exercise 1

Exercise 2

This another exercise to practise 3/4 bars. Look at the stave and say the notes aloud while you keep the beat. Again you have a sound file combining the notes a metronome beat.

keeping the beat exercise 2

Exercise 3

Pay attention now! You have to susbstitute the minim and the crotchet rest that you had on exercise one for a dotted minim. Say the three beats aloud. You have the sound file but with no metronome beat.

keeping the beat exercise 3

Exercise 4

Now you will work with a tie in a stave. You will have bars with a minim and a crotchet. Say the notes aloud and don't forget to count the three beats. 

keeping the beat exercise 4

Question 1

giff double bassAnd now let's see if you have paid attention. Taking into account all we have studied in this unit, say if the sentences are true or false. Discuss your answers with the rest of the group.

Exercise 1: This image represents a three four bar. three four bar question

Question 2

Exercise 2: There is a breath mark in the last bar.

keeping the beat exercise 2

Question 3

Exercise 3: There are four dotted notes in this stave.

keeping the beat exercise 3

Question 4

Exercise 4: This line line under the notes is a slur.

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