Time Signatures
Time signatures are used to indicate how the musical rhythm and meter is
organized. The rhythm and meter of a piece of music are independent of the
tempo. Whether the piece is played fast or slow, the rhythm and meter stay the
same. The upper number in the time signature indicates the number of beats in a
measure. The lower number indicates which note value receives one beat.
Note Symbols
This table shows the music symbols and names of the most commonly used notes.
Rest Symbols
This table shows the music symbols and names of the most commonly used rests.
Rests are used to indicate silence.
Dotted Notes
A dot following a note or rest increases its duration by half the original
value.
Note Value Tree
Each of these notes is half as long as the note above it.
Rest Value Tree
Each of these rests is half as long as the rest above it.
Beat Unit Examples
This table illustrates how beat units (the lower number of the time signature)
affect the number of beats a note and rest receives.