1. Make sure you spell it correctly!

2. Rhythmic Relationships  When dealing with rhythm, it is important to understand the relationships between rhythmic values. This is the relationship of one note to another. ie. 2 eighth notes equal the same amount of time as 1 quarter note, etc.  Additionally, you need to identify and understand time signatures and how rhythmic figures relate within them. This is recognizing what value will be assigned to each note. ie. An eighth note in 4/4 time (Half a beat) is not equal to an eighth note in 6/8 time (one whole beat), etc.

4. The Dot  When you encounter a dot after a note it is equal to half of the value of what is in front of it. You will then need to add the two values together to come up with the new duration.

5. Time Signatures  Time signatures tell you how many beats are in each measure and what rhythmic value maintains the steady beat.  Time signatures are listed in the first bar of a piece of music after the clef and the key signature.  4/4 is the most common time signature. But you should use the following information when reading a time signature.  4 -The top number tells you how many beats are in each measure 4 -The bottom number tells you what rhythmic figure gets the beat, or which rhythm is equal to one beat.

6. Time Signatures