Lesson #12 : Cut Time

(stds 2,5,6/9.1, 9.3)

All contents of this presentation: © 2008 TB Music

Time Signatures• As you know, time signatures tell us

exactly what is going on rhythmically in each measure.

• To set up this thought process we say the time signature as a fraction and add the word “notes” to it (i.e.—“four quarter note time”)

4=

Rhythmic Symbols

• Are arranged in beat groupings according to the time signature.

• Come in eight (8) basic varieties called “permutations”.

• Rests are “notes” which must be “played”.

• A tie can lengthen a rhythmic symbol (note) within or across the pulse of the music.

Beat Unit

A beat unit is defined as:

•the rhythmic denomination which is representative of the pulse of the music as delineated by the time signature.

(OK, I’ll translate for you……..….)

A Beat Grouping is..

• A unit of rhythmic symbols which is grouped according to the pulse denomination of the time signature. The beat grouping can contain any variation of subdivisions totaling the summative length of the unit of pulse.

•i.e.--- 4/4 = a quarter note beat grouping. Thus the description of the contents of each measure would be “4 quarter-note time”. Of course this means literally that there are four beats in each measure and that the quarter note gets one beat.

Beat Groupings :

4

Tools to describe and decipher (figure

out) rhythms:• Syllables :– 1 e + a– Rhythmic permutations have specific “names” or

syllable patterns.

• Manurhythms :– Visual representations of rhythms using your LEFT

hand.

• Audiation :– Hearing the music with your internal ears (in your

head).

• The logic of fractions as learned in math class.• Rhythmic common denominators.

Prerequisite thoughts:

• Having established the beat grouping definition we literally see the time signature as 4/4 but think 4/

• Sometimes 4/QN time is communicated to us using a “C” in the time signature.

• The 4/QN time signature sets up the hierarchy of rhythms you are used to seeing.

• QN : is the beat unit and is represented in Manurhythms as:

Prerequisite thoughts:• When we subdivide the beat

into two sounds, in 4/QN time this is notated using 2 eighth notes and shown in manurhythms as :

• When we further subdivide the beat into four sounds, in 4/QN time this is notated using 4 sixteenth notes and shown in manurhythms as :

•So what does this have to do with cut time??.....everything!!

4QN time to 2HN time

• We see 4/4 but think 4/ Sometimes 4/QN time is communicated to us using a “C” in the time signature. Soooo….

• We see 2/2, but we think 2/ and more times than not we will encounter this time signature as the symbol:

Let’s Compare:

4

2

Cut Time Subdivisions• The beat unit in this case is a half note. The

time signature is literally read “2 half note time”. That being established let’s take a look at the subdivisions of the beat in this time signature :

• When we subdivide the beat into two sounds, in 2/HN time this is notated using 2 quarter notes.

• When we subdivide the beat into four sounds, in 2/HN time this is notated using 4 eighth notes.

Cut Time Beat Groupings

• In cut time beat groupings will encompass the following combinations and assume the corresponding manurhythm/syllabic labels :

• HN (1)

• 2QN (1 &)

• 4EN (1 e & a)

Cut Time Beat Groupings

• 1QN & 2 EN (1 & a)

• 2EN & 1QN (1 e &)

• etc…… (syncopated and dotted

rhythms follow the same proportions.)

Count & Play :

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