| This reading music lesson is a supplement to the Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory self-study workbook. While no book is perfect for learning how to read music, this is one of the best available. The concise explanations, brief practice exercises, ear-training CD’s, glossary of music terms, and answer key make it an excellent value. Buy this top-rated self-study course for beginners to advanced musicians and follow along with me. |
The best music theory book for self-study at home available today. Learn how to read and write music in 75 concise lessons you can complete at home. Improve your musical ear with ear-training exercises on 2 included CD's. Test yourself in a review section at the end of each unit. Check your knowledge with the answers in the back of the book.
The time signature is found right after the clef sign at the very beginning of your music.
The term meter is used interchangeably with time signature and they both mean the same thing.
There are 2 numbers you will find stacked on top of each other.
Top Number
The top number tells us how many beats are in each measure.
Top Number Examples
- A number 4 on top means there are 4 beats in each measure.
- A number 3 on top means there are 3 beats in each measure.
- A number 2 on top means there are 2 beats in each measure.
Bottom Number
The bottom number tells us what type of note will receive 1 beat.
Bottom Number Examples
- The number 4 on the bottom represents a quarter note receiving 1 beat.
- The number 2 on the bottom represents a half note receiving 1 beat.
- The number 8 on the bottom represents an eighth note receiving 1 beat.
(Don’t worry about the eighth note quite yet. We will learn about this a little later.)
With this basic understanding of how time signatures work, we are now ready to learn about the 3 most common time signatures in a little more depth.
Rhythm Flashcards with Time Signatures
A set of 32 laminated rhythm cards with 4 time signature cards. This rhythm reading tool can be used for activities, games, and puzzles. Use it for music lessons, homeschooling, and classrooms.
Quick Music Theory Reference Books and Guides
This foldable 8x10 inch music theory cheat sheet is an excellent quick reference guide when you need to find the answer fast. The side 3-hole punch allows you to keep it in a 3-ring binder. It is sturdy and folds out featuring music theory and notation on the front and music history on the back.
A practical pocket-size music theory dictionary and music notation reference guide that is perfect for all musicians from beginner to professional.
A convenient music theory book that is small enough to fit in your pocket, backpack, or instrument case. A great reference guide for all musicians at any level of music study.
