2. Beat Division
Beat and Beat Subdivision Table
Each row in the table below shows the type, beat duration, and beat subdivision duration of a different of meter. Complete the table by filling in the blank lines with either a Subdivision type (simple/compound) or a rhythmic duration.
| subdivision type | beat duration | subdivision duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
compound
|
 |
 |
|
|
simple
|
 |
 |
|
|
simple
|
 |
 |
|
|
compound
|
 |
 |
|
|
compound
|
 |
 |
|
|
simple |
 |
 |
|
|
simple
|
 |
 |
|
|
simple |
|
|
|
|
compound |
 |
|
Writing Beat Subdivisions
In each of the following exercises, a series of notes has been written to reflect the beat of the given meter. Rewrite each exercise, replacing each beat note with two or three beat subdivision notes as determined by the meter type. Make sure the notes in your answer line up with the given notes.
Writing Beats
In each of the following exercises, a series of notes has been written to reflect the beat subdivision of the given meter. Rewrite each exercise, replacing each group of two or three beat subdivision notes with a single beat note as determined by the meter type.
Identifying Meter
Play or listen to each of the excerpts below while following along with the score. (Recordings are included in the online version of this book.) Determine the type of beat division used in each excerpt: simple or compound. If you are having difficulty, try listening to the version with an added click track.
Without click track:
With click track:
compound
yes
Without click track:
With click track:
simple
no
Without click track:
With click track:
simple
yes
Without click track:
With click track:
compound
no
Without click track:
With click track:
simple
no
Without click track:
With click track:
simple
yes
Writing Beats and Beat Divisions
In the following exercises, each bracket spans a single beat. Write one or more notes under each bracket according to the bracket label. If the label says “beat,” write a single note that represents the full duration of the beat. If the label says “div.,” write two or three notes representing the beat division, as required by the given time signature.
Composing with Beats and Beat Divisions
Compose your own rhythms using the method described in the previous exercise. Write the rhythm using only beats or beat divisions and label each bracket to match your notes.
