Chapter 4 ::
Compound Meters
Compound time
In Chapter 2, we began talking about meter and learned about simple meter. Now let's talk about compound meter.
Compound meter is different from simple in several ways. One of the most important changes is that the bottom number in compound meter represents the beat division rather than the beat unit. Another big change is that compound meter is evenly divided into 3s instead of 2s.
The top number of compound meter is 6, 9, or 12, which represents duple, triple, and quadruple meter. To find the number of beats per measure, divide the top number by 3. The lower number is 8 most of the time; however, it could also be 4 or 16. This number signifies the type of note that represents the division of the beat. For example, in 6/8 time, there are two beats of three eighth notes, or a dotted quarter note. That example is a compound duple meter. The image below shows three examples of compound meter, along with there respective beat units and beat division, and the video below goes more in depth with the concept of compound meter.
It took me quite a while to understand this concept, especially after spending so much time on simple meter. I think for next time this class is taught, simple and compound time should be taught back to back, instead of having that chapter between. I can identify the type of meter easily, but I need to work on hearing the differences and what notes to put where. I think this can be improved by continued repitition and practice.
Compound meter is different from simple in several ways. One of the most important changes is that the bottom number in compound meter represents the beat division rather than the beat unit. Another big change is that compound meter is evenly divided into 3s instead of 2s.
The top number of compound meter is 6, 9, or 12, which represents duple, triple, and quadruple meter. To find the number of beats per measure, divide the top number by 3. The lower number is 8 most of the time; however, it could also be 4 or 16. This number signifies the type of note that represents the division of the beat. For example, in 6/8 time, there are two beats of three eighth notes, or a dotted quarter note. That example is a compound duple meter. The image below shows three examples of compound meter, along with there respective beat units and beat division, and the video below goes more in depth with the concept of compound meter.
It took me quite a while to understand this concept, especially after spending so much time on simple meter. I think for next time this class is taught, simple and compound time should be taught back to back, instead of having that chapter between. I can identify the type of meter easily, but I need to work on hearing the differences and what notes to put where. I think this can be improved by continued repitition and practice.