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3.1: Rhythmic Dictation Introduction

  • Page ID
    325123
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    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

    • Identify the number of sounds on a beat
    • Make a visual representation of the rhythm you are hearing
    • Use basic notation to provide an accurate representation of the rhythm

    Making Sense Out of ChaosA very colorful piece of modern art

    Listening to a piece of music and learning to write it down is a little like looking at a "Magic Eye" picture or a piece of abstract art. The first time you glance at it, it might look like a mess of chaos. With some practice and focus, we can start to see and hear patterns and make sense of what is initially hidden.

    Keep in mind that you are learning a new skill. This takes time and repetition. Some activities will come easier than others. Developing a solid sense of beat and being able to focus on individual elements of the music will help build these aural skills.

    Key Terms

    • Beat boxes: a method of listening for individual beats within the measure
    • Syncopation: when a weak beat is emphasized in a rhythm
    • Rhythm: a pattern of sounds and silence

    Attribution:

    Image by Hanne Hasu from Pixabay.


    This page titled 3.1: Rhythmic Dictation Introduction is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lauren C. Sharkey.

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