Rhythm - revision of junior cert' basics of Rhythm

The Time Signature tells how many beats are in each bar. 4/4 means 4 beats in each bar. 3/4 means 3 beats in each bar. In Leaving Cert' rhythm we compose 4 - bar phrases. This is achieved by having a long note (2 beats) at the end of each phrase (sentence). A certain amount of repetition is required to unify the rhythms. A common mistake is to try too hard to invent complex rhythms that sound great on their own, but sound like several songs put together when continuity is required. Good rhythms require a delicate balance between continuity and development.

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Rhythm for September

We learn rhythm in 1st year by the sound of words. It's convenient to revive this method in order to gain fluency at Leaving Cert level. The rhythms on this page should be practised regularly until they can be read fluently. They are the foundation of melody writing.  Learn them by the sound of the words at first. Don't be too concerned with the theory of the rhythms until their sound is perfected.

Rhythm for October

The aim of this page is to learn to hear what you write. A huge emphasis is placed on the value of sight singing for general aural skills and as a method of melody writing. For those who are bit rusty or complete beginners at the start of 5th year, it is recommended you revise all aural/sight singing/dictation work on the sister site, juniorcertmusica.weebly.com

We almost always write 4-bar phrases. To do this make sure there's along note at the end of each 4 bars. Often we write 2x2-bar phrases. Again this is done by a long note at the end of each 2 bars. Clap the rhythms below.