Rhythm References

Did you know that there are only 8 basic rhythms that can be made with quarter notes, half notes, dotted half notes, and whole notes? Additionally, if you cut those notes in half, you would have the same combination of 8 rhythms, and if you cut them in half again, it's the same thing.

If your students master the 8 rhythms, they have the other 16. Add a rest or two, and you have a large percentage of the rhythms of most music. (not all, of course)

There are only 4 combinations of different rhythms in 3, and if you divide them in half, you get the basic unit in compound meter.

If you'd like the pdf, you can download it here:

Inside folder rhythm page.pdf

Download PDF • 101KB

Do you remember these?

I'm going to be printing a folder for my students so they can keep the key finder cards tidy. The rhythm page is going to be part of "useful information." (that's why the name of the file is "Inside Folder Rhythm Page")

What other useful information would you want your students to have in front of them when they are at the piano?

Things I'm thinking of at the moment:

• Circle of 5ths (of course)

• Tempi with metronome markings

• Key names

• Scales with scale degrees

• Scale fingerings

• Chocolate chip cookie recipe

• Theory of relativity. . .

I'll be sharing the other side of the folder interior when I figure out what's best to go there. Thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

Happy playing!

Sarah