Material Detail

This course teaches the basics of reading rhythms that are written in common notation. Also known as standard notation, this is the most commonly used way to write down the types of music that are deeply influenced by the Western European music tradition. This includes most of the pop, rock, and jazz genres that are popular world-wide. At its most basic, common notation tells you two things about each sound in the music: how high or low it sounds ([pitch]) and when it happens (rhythm). It can be challenging for novice musicians to keep track of translating both the pitch and rhythm aspects of the notation while also playing both correctly on an instrument. By focusing completely on rhythm, this course allows beginners to practice reading rhythm separately, without having to also think about pitch. In fact, you can complete this course without learning to read or play pitches, or without playing any traditional musical instrument. With sufficient practice, reading rhythms will become so natural that you will be able to do it while focusing on other things, such as reading pitch or learning to play an instrument. Those who are most interested in singing, or in playing drums and percussion may find it useful simply to learn how to read rhythms.

Although described as a course, it can easily be used as a textbook.

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