What is Time Signature?

A TIME SIGNATURE tells you how the music

is to be COUNTED.

12 12 12 12
123 123 123 123
1234 1234 1234
123456 123456
Notice the PATTERN
The Time Signature helps divide the music into measures.

1 2 1 2

1 2 3 1 2 3
 Time Signature
The 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

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

measure

Bottom number = what type of note gets the strong sound

The time signature is written at the beginning of the staff.

It will not appear again unless the meter changes.
When you read a piece of sheet music are the
measures filled with numbers or notes?

NOTES

1 2 3 1 2 3