What is Time Signature?

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

A TIME SIGNATURE tells you how the music is to be COUNTED.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Notice the PATTERN

1 2 1 2

1 2 3 1 2 3

The Time Signature helps divide the music into measures.

Time SignatureThe time signature consist of two numbers written like a fraction

It answers 2 questions: 1. How many beats are typically in each measure 2. Which type of note regulates the beat – eighth, quarter, half, whole

The time signature is written at the beginning of the staff. It will not appear again unless the meter changes.

Top number = how many strong sounds/beats are in one measure

Bottom number = what type of note gets the strong sound

1 2 3 1 2 3

When you read a piece of sheet music are the measures filled with numbers or notes?

NOTES

Decode the Time Signature

____________________________

____________________________

How many strong sounds/beats are in one measure

What type of note gets the strong sound

Which number in the Time Signature suggests the NOTE that will be the

strong beat.

Which number in the Time Signature suggests HOW MANY

strong beats are in one measure.

Which number in the Time Signature suggests the NOTE that will be the

strong beat.

CRACK the Code

I am a measure with 3 strong beats and each one of my beats is represented by a quarter note.

A. B. C.

CRACK the Code

I am a measure with 4 strong beats and each one of my beats is represented by a half note.

A. B. C.

Suggest a Time Signature for the following measures.


Four measures from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

= Common Time

= Cut Time


Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with a different Time Signature.

Decode the Time Signature Draw notes to fill each measure

Decode the Time Signature

Decode the Time SignatureDraw notes to fill each measure

Suggest a Time Signature to match the beat

What is Time Signature?

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