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
1
2
2
1
3
1
2
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
Decode the Time Signature
How many strong sounds/beats are in one measure
____________________________
____________________________
What type of note gets the strong sound
Decode the Time Signature
How many strong sounds/beats are in one measure
____________________________
____________________________
What type of note gets the strong sound
Decode the Time Signature
How many strong sounds/beats are in one measure
____________________________
____________________________
What type of note gets the strong sound
Decode the Time Signature
How many strong sounds/beats are in one measure
____________________________
____________________________
What type of note gets the strong sound
Which number in the Time Signature
suggests the NOTE that will be the
strong beat.
Which number in the Time Signature
suggests HOW MANY
strong beats are in one measure.
Which number in the Time Signature
suggests HOW MANY
strong beats are in one measure.
Which number in the Time Signature
suggests the NOTE that will be the
strong beat.
CRACK the Code
I am a measure with 3 strong beats and each
one of my beats is represented by a quarter
note.
A.
B.
C.
CRACK the Code
I am a measure with 4 strong beats and each
one of my beats is represented by a half note.
A.
B.
C.
Suggest a Time Signature for the
following measures.
Suggest a Time Signature for the
following measures.
Four measures from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
= Common Time
= Cut Time
Suggest a Time Signature for the
following measures.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with a different Time Signature.
Decode the Time Signature
Draw notes to fill each measure
Decode the Time Signature
Decode the Time Signature
Decode the Time Signature
Draw notes to fill each measure
Suggest a Time Signature
to match the beat
Suggest a Time Signature
to match the beat
Suggest a Time Signature
to match the beat
Suggest a Time Signature
to match the beat