Beat Reading Music Beat Reading 5

Question 1

When counting a 4/4 measure aloud with subdivisions, what syllables are used for the 'and' of beats?

Accepted Answer

'and' or '+'

Answer

Standard American counting uses 'and' (written as '+') to label the off-beat between each numbered beat: '1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.'

Question 2

What is the difference between a simple meter and a compound meter?

Accepted Answer

Simple divides the beat into 2; compound divides it into 3

Answer

In simple meter, each beat naturally divides into two equal parts; in compound meter, each beat naturally divides into three.

Question 3

A ritardando (rit.) marking in a score instructs the performer to:

Accepted Answer

Slow down gradually

Answer

Ritardando means to gradually decrease the tempo, creating a sense of slowing down.

Question 4

In rhythm reading, what does the term 'downbeat' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Beat 1, the strongest beat of the measure

Answer

The downbeat is beat 1 of a measure, historically named because the conductor's baton moves downward on this strong beat.

Question 5

Which notation indicates that a performer should play the passage 'as fast as possible'?

Accepted Answer

Prestissimo

Answer

Prestissimo is the superlative of presto and indicates the fastest possible tempo, beyond even presto.

Beat Reading Practice Test