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Example 2.1c

A note about rests: Whole rests can fill a measure with silence in both 3/4 and 4/4 time.

To create values not expressed by these notes, ties and dots are used. Ties are curved

lines that connect two adjacent notes of the same pitch. The first note is performed and held for

the duration of both note values combined. For example, if a composer wishes for a note to be

equivalent to the length of five quarter notes, a whole note can be tied to a quarter note, or a

dotted half note can be tied to a half note. Time signature plays a part in the choices of rhythmic

value and will be discussed in detail starting with Section 2.2. Dotted notes are notes

lengthened by the addition of half their value. Dotted notes are always worth three of the next

smaller value. A dotted half note is worth three quarter notes; a dotted half note is worth three

eighth notes.

These basic terms and definitions will help students get started on their quest to master

rhythmic notation and performance.