Chapter 1

Time Signatures

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A time signature is a symbol. It appears at the beginningof a piece as a symbol.  We write this at the start of every piece.
It contains two numbers, the top of which tells us how many beats there are in bar. The bottom number, on the other hand, will tell us what sort of notes we are counting. The time signature is always written after the clef and the key signature. Below is an example of a time signature. It is important to write the time signature in such a way that each number occupies two spaces:

Example of a time signature

BAR LINE

A bar line is a vertical line which divides the staff into measures. Each measure is the distance between two bar lines.
DOUBLE BAR LINE

A double bar line is two thick vertical lines together. This shows that a piece of music has come to an end.

PLACING NOTES IN A BAR 3/4 TIME SIGNATURE AS AN EXAMPLE

Remember that this time signature means 3 crochet beats can be present in every measure or bar. It means that notes in every bar should add up to 3 counts. Any combination of rhythm can be used as long as the total is 3  counts. It is important to remember that you can never have more or less than 3 counts.

GROUPING NOTES AND RESTS

As you learn grouping notes, you will discover that each time signature has got its own rule.

Let’s start with:.

2/4 TIME SIGNATURE
In this example, the first beat is strong and the second is weak. Generally, group notes come together to  make a single beat. That means you are allowed to join both beats.

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3/4 TIME SIGNATURE
This time signature will give you the feel of a waltz. In it, a whole bar of quaver notes can be joined. Remember though that only the first beat is strong while the other two are weak.

4/4 TIME SIGNATURE
In this time signature, the 1st and 3rd beats are strong. If you are using quaver notes for this time signature, you can use them for the first half or the last half. It is as if there is a barrier in the middle of the 4/4 time signature. Lastly, you must remember not to cross the barrier!

GROUPING RESTS
Rest is silence and has no value. However, we still have to follow certain rules when it comes to grouping them into different time signatures. For instance, in 2/4 time signature, this is quite simple. All you have to do is try completing each beat. In 3/4 time signature, on the other hand,do not use a Minim rest but a two Crotchet rests.

Example of grouping rests:

Additionally, in the 4/4 Time Signature, the semibreve rest is also called a “Bar Rest”. Lastly, a Whole bar rest can be used in an empty bar in any time signature. In this time signature, follow the same rule as you would follow for notes.

Accidentals

Accidental is the family name given to Sharp Flat and Natural.These signs are placed immediately to the left of the note. An accidental changes the pitch of the note without changing its letter name.d paragraph text here.

See below the accidentals

The role of each accidental is different.

SHARP
The purpose of a sharp is to raise the pitch of a note by a semitone. Usually, if it is a white note, it will raise one semitone to the black note on your right side.

FLAT

When we flatten a note, we lower the pitch of a note by one semitone. In general, if it is a white note, it will be lowered one semitone to the black note on your leftside.

NATURAL
This is a tricky one as it can do two jobs, i.e. Cancel the sharp and the flat. All the accidentals last for just one bar. Moreover, it is necessary to use the accidental in case of a change.