Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Theory Trainer

Exercise 2aSimple rhythm tapping: Start the metronome, then press key “j”, “k”, “l” or “;” to the notated

rhythm.

Conducting Patterns

Conducting patterns can help to demonstrate meter. Notice that the strong beat (beat one) is always a downward
motion, also known as the downbeat.The last beat of each pattern is always an upward motion, also known as
the upbeat.
Sing and conduct these songs, feeling the accent on the first beat of each measure.

Simple Duple Meter

Simple Triple Meter

Simple Quadruple

BASICS OF RHYTHM

1

2

Jingle bells, Jingle bells

Accent: > >

2

4

1

3

2

Sing and conduct: “Jingle Bells.”

Sing and conduct: “My Favorite Things” (R. Rogers, O. Hammerstein II)

Rain - drops on Ros-es and Whiskers on Kittens,

Accent: > >

3

4

1

2 3

4

51

Sing and conduct: “Love Me Tender” (E. Presley, V. Matson)

Love me ten - der, Love me sweet –– Never let me go.

Accent: > – > –

4

4