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Week 5: Time and Rhythm

Time

Time in music refers to the organization of sounds and silences in a temporal framework. It is the foundation upon which rhythm, beat, and meter are built.

Beat

The beat is the basic unit of time in music, often described as the “pulse” listeners tap their feet to. It provides a steady framework for the rhythm. Learn more about beat on Wikipedia.

Pulse

Pulse refers to the regular, repeating beats in a piece of music. It is what gives music its sense of forward motion and predictability. Read more about pulse on Wikipedia.

Meter

Meter is the recurring pattern of stresses or accents that provide the pulse of the music. It organizes beats into measures or bars.

Asymmetric Meter

Asymmetric meter refers to meters that do not divide evenly into groups of two or three beats. For example, the song “Maître Gnome” features an asymmetric meter. Explore asymmetric meter on Wikipedia.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in music, created by the arrangement of notes of varying lengths. It is one of the most fundamental aspects of music. Discover more about rhythm on Wikipedia.

Tempo

Tempo refers to the speed at which a piece of music is played, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM).

Spontaneous Tempo

Spontaneous tempo is the natural pace at which an individual might tap or move to music without external guidance.

Tap BPM

Tap BPM is a method of determining the tempo of a piece of music by tapping along with the beat. Learn about tempo on Wikipedia.

Entrainment

Entrainment in music refers to the synchronization of an individual’s movements or internal rhythms with an external rhythm, such as a musical beat. Read about entrainment on Wikipedia.

Shape

Shape in music refers to the contour or form of a musical phrase or section, often influenced by dynamics, pitch, and rhythm.

Groove

Groove is the sense of rhythmic feel or swing in music that compels listeners to move or dance. It is often associated with genres like funk, jazz, and R&B. Explore groove on Wikipedia.

Structured Patterns in Time

Structured patterns in time refer to the deliberate organization of rhythms and beats to create a cohesive musical piece. These patterns form the backbone of musical compositions.

Citations

the following syntax: {cite}`holdgraf_evidence_2014`

Here is the bibliography