Rhythm Patterns
Explore rhythm patterns through music, examples, and listening.
Beat and Rhythm Work Together
The beat is the steady pulse you can tap along to. Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silence that happens around that pulse. Different rhythms can share the same beat.
Say your name while tapping steadily. The syllables make a rhythm, while your hand keeps the beat. The words and taps do not always happen at the same time.
Reading Notes and Rests
In these 4/4 examples, a quarter note lasts one beat and a quarter rest lasts one silent beat. Count 1, 2, 3, 4 evenly, whether you are making a sound or resting.
A rest does not stop time. Keep counting through it so your next note lands in the right place. The example picture shows quarter-note and rest symbols.
Listen, Read, and Echo
Listen to a four-beat pattern with notes on beats one, two, and four, and a quarter rest on beat three. Clap on the notes and keep your hands quiet during the rest.
Repeat the pattern while keeping the beat steady. Then try creating a different pattern with a rest on another beat.