Basic Music Theory - #3 - Rhythms and Putting it All Together


So, here is the last installment in this beginning set of Music Theory posts.  I know I’ve covered an awful lot in these last 3 posts but I promise you, if you’ll devote a little consistent time to learning it, the benefits you’ll receive will far outweigh your small time investment.  These key components of Music Theory make up the essential underpinnings of composed music.  The next set of Music Theory posts will cover different types of Chords, Scales, and Chord Progressions but until then, enjoy these amazing pillars of Music Theory and send me any questions you still have once you’re done.  Here you go:

•            RHYTHMS AND TEMPOS - I try to explain the “Beat” of music or the “Rhythm” like our own heartbeat.  It is a regular, constant “pulse” (literally).  Most of the time this “Beat” or “Pulse” is what you dance to, tap your foot to, or clap along with.  “Typical” Rhythms include the March (4/4 Time) and the Waltz (3/4 or 6/8 time), but other combinations create the Jazz Waltz, the Cha Cha, Tango, Merengue, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Bolero, Salsa, Rumba, and Salsa.
Tempos vary depending on the particular song you’re working on.  The tempo is the SPEED of the song; it has nothing to do with the STYLE of the rhythms.  The tempo can be slow, (Adagio), Medium (Andante), or fast (Allegro).  There are many, many different detailed tempos described in the three Music Dictionary posts from June 28, 2016.  Check them out for more specific tempo names and descriptions.  These will be especially helpful to use on your own compositions.  The more information you provide to players who are unfamiliar with the work, the better their performance will be.

•            PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - Below now, is an illustration of Notes on the Grand Staff, and Notes and Rests on a piece of music.
Your brain may feel like it’s going to explode but remember what I always say about eating an elephant.  How DO you eat an elephant???  ONE BITE AT A TIME!  Work on concepts in the post and then DON’T move on to the second post until you’re sure you have a strong grasp of the beginning material.  THEN, move on to #2 and #3.  These posts are PACKED with information.  Be patient with yourself.  Send me questions!  PLEASE!  Talk with me about your perceptions, so that I can offer corrections or confirmations.  Once you’ve have a working familiarity with these foundational areas, you’ll be astounded how quickly other major concepts fall into place, and how easily other areas are to comprehend because they merely build on these is one way or another.  SEND ME ANY QUESTIONS, comments, or other suggestions; I’m here for you, and no question is “dumb”.  Thanks for reading!  If you have any questions about me or my lessons, check out my website at www.SingitForward.net.  Thanks again!  Sing it forward!

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