Unit 2 of 7 · Week 3
Rhythm & Meter
Explore how note lengths, rests, meter, repetition, and contrast create musical energy.
This unit builds towardComposition 2: Rhythm Remix
7 lessons
Work through them in order, or jump to the one you need.
1Beat vs. RhythmThe beat is the steady pulse; rhythm is the pattern of long and short sounds that happens against that pulse.Open lesson →2Rhythm Building BlocksShort rhythmic ideas can be combined into longer phrases. Rests create space and punctuation, and rhythmic ideas do not have to begin exactly on a bar line.Open lesson →3Measures & MeterMeter organizes beats into repeating groups. You will compare how 4/4 and 3/4 change the feel of a musical idea.Open lesson →4Pitch & Rhythm Work TogetherPitch and rhythm shape musical direction together. Longer notes can emphasize important pitches, faster notes can create momentum, and a high point can become a phrase goal.Open lesson →5Lyrics in NoteflightLyrics are written one syllable at a time, each lined up under the note it is sung on. Hyphens join the syllables of one word, and spaces separate words.Open lesson →6Words & Strong BeatsSpoken words already have rhythm. A natural text setting puts stressed syllables on strong beats and lets unstressed syllables fall on weak beats or lead in as a pickup.Open lesson →7Composition 2: Rhythm RemixKeep the pitch material simple and make rhythm the main creative decision.Open lesson →