Glossary
Beaming
The practice of connecting the stems of multiple flagged notes (like eighth notes or sixteenth notes) with a thick horizontal line to visually group them by beat, aiding in readability and clarifying the meter. [21, 40]
Example:
In 4/4 time, two eighth notes on beat one are typically joined by a single beam to show they belong to that beat. [40]
Compound Meter
A type of musical meter where the main beat is divided into three equal subdivisions, typically notated with time signatures like 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8. [2, 14, 21]
Example:
A jig often uses a compound meter like 6/8, giving it a lively, triplet-based feel where each beat subdivides into three eighth notes. [14]
Dotted Rhythms
A rhythmic notation where a dot placed after a note increases its duration by half of its original value. This extends the note's length and often creates a syncopated feel. [1, 10, 20]
Example:
In a waltz, a dotted half note followed by a quarter note creates a characteristic 'oom-pah-pah' feel, giving the first beat extra emphasis. [20]
Meter
The organization of musical time into recurring patterns of strong and weak beats, grouped into measures. It provides the underlying framework for rhythm. [2, 5, 6, 8, 17]
Example:
A march typically has a strong duple meter, with a clear 'left-right, left-right' feel. [2]
Noteheads
The oval part of a note symbol that indicates its pitch. In correct notation, noteheads are placed to the left of an upward stem and to the right of a downward stem. [40]
Example:
When drawing a quarter note with an upward stem, ensure the notehead is positioned to the left of the stem for proper notation. [40]
Polyrhythms
The simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms, creating intricate and layered rhythmic textures. [7]
Example:
African drumming ensembles often feature complex polyrhythms, where different drummers play independent rhythmic patterns that interlock. [7]
Rhythmic Motifs
Short, distinctive rhythmic patterns that are repeated and varied throughout a musical piece, serving as fundamental building blocks for its structure and cohesion. [11]
Example:
Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 famously opens with a four-note rhythmic motif (short-short-short-long) that unifies the entire first movement. [11]
Rhythmic Patterns
A series of rhythms repeated in a specific order, forming the underlying temporal structure and groove of a musical piece. They can range from simple, steady pulses to complex, varied sequences of durations and accents. [7, 9]
Example:
The iconic 'We Will Rock You' by Queen uses a simple rhythmic pattern of stomp-stomp-clap to create its powerful groove. [7]
Rubato
An expressive technique where a performer subtly manipulates the tempo by slightly speeding up or slowing down, without altering the overall pace, to enhance musical phrasing and emotion. [16, 26, 32]
Example:
A pianist might use rubato in a Romantic-era nocturne, lingering on certain expressive notes before gently moving forward. [16]
Stem Direction
Rules for orienting the stem of a note on the staff to ensure clarity and readability. Generally, notes on or above the middle line have stems pointing down, and notes below the middle line have stems pointing up. [40]
Example:
When notating a high C on the treble clef, the stem direction would be downwards, while a low C would have an upward stem. [40]
Straight Rhythm
A rhythmic feel where subdivisions of the beat (e.g., eighth notes) are played with equal duration, in contrast to the uneven divisions of swing rhythm. [15, 38]
Example:
Most classical music is performed with a straight rhythm, where all notes are played precisely as notated without any 'swing' feel. [15]
Swing Rhythm
A rhythmic feel, common in jazz and related styles, where the beat is divided unevenly, typically with the first subdivision of a beat being longer and the second shorter, creating a bouncy, lilting quality. [28, 31, 36]
Example:
Many jazz standards, like 'Take the A Train,' are played with a distinct swing rhythm, making the eighth notes feel less rigid and more fluid. [31]
Syncopation
A rhythmic device that involves shifting the accent from a strong beat or expected position to a weak beat or an off-beat, creating rhythmic tension and interest. [1, 7, 13, 23]
Example:
The 'oom-pah' of a polka often features syncopation on the 'pah' (the second beat), giving it a lively, off-kilter feel. [7]
Time Signature
A musical notation, typically appearing as two stacked numerals at the beginning of a piece, that indicates the number of beats per measure and the note value that receives one beat. [3, 12, 34]
Example:
A piece marked with a 4/4 time signature means there are four quarter-note beats in every measure. [3]