Chapter 9: Compound Meter—syncopation
About This Chapter
About This Chapter: In Chapter 8, we explored syncopated rhythms in simple meters. In this chapter, we turn our attention to syncopated rhythms in compound meters. The concept is the same: a weak part of the measure is accented. In measures 1–2 of the example below, the “li” of the measure is accented instead of the beats. In measure 3, the emphasis of “ta” instead of “la” and “li” creates a syncopation at the division level.
Section A—Syncopation that obscures internal beats
Demonstration
Demonstration A:
Practice
Practice A:
Practice by performing along with this audio file, which features a metronome click and the notated rhythm. You will hear two measures of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
Next, try performing along with this audio file, which features the notated rhythm but no metronome click. You will hear two measures of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Section B—Syncopation that obscures downbeats
Demonstration
Demonstration B:
Practice
Practice B:
Practice by performing along with this audio file, which features a metronome click and the notated rhythm. You will hear one full measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
Next, try performing along with this audio file, which features the notated rhythm but no metronome click. You will hear one full measure of wood block to establish the tempo before the exercise begins.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Section C—Two-part rhythms featuring syncopation
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
